Our U10 and U12 Footballers had a great day’s fun in
Dublin on Saturday with challenge matches against two
of Dublin’s big clubs, Ballymun Kickhams and Kilmacud
Crokes and a visit to the magnificent Croke Park.

With a bus full of football gear
and packed lunches we departed from the Clubrooms at
9:30 and made our way south – spirits were high in
anticipation of the day ahead.

We arrived at the Ballymun
Kickham’s pitch in splendid weather and were warmly
welcomed by our hosts. With the legs stretched and the
warm ups completed it was on with the games against
these two great Dublin clubs. The football was
competitive and scoring was of a high quality. At the
final whistle handshakes were made and it was into the
Clubrooms for a much appreciated cup of tea and biscuit.
It was agreed that the matches were a great success and
the discussion was on when the return matches would be
to Clonduff Park.

Having made new friends it was
onwards to Croke Park and the Tour. The excitement
levels grew as we turned onto Clonliffe Road and the
great stadium came into view.

The tour began with a 20 minute
video of the behind the scenes view of a Sunday in
September at Croke Park and then it was onto the Players
Lounge and into the Dressing rooms. Everyone was
suitably impressed with thoughts turning to a revisit to
these dressing rooms in the next decade on a St
Patrick’s Day or possibly the third Sunday in September.

It was then onto the Warm Up areas
and the heart was definitely pumping now as final
preparations were made for the Big Match. As the knock
on the door came to say ‘it was time’ the players burst
out through the tunnel and the sounds of the big crowd
to see …… The Pitch!

We made our way up the steps of the
Hogan Stand, sticking to tradition of going up the right
hand side to receive the cup with several impressive
acceptance speeches made and going down the left hand
side. It was then onto the museums and the ‘Activity
Zone’ to test out our skills.

However, as with any good party the
best was kept to the last with the appearance of the Sam
Maguire Cup and a chance to get a photograph with the
most prized piece of silverware in Irish sport.!

The museum shop was visited to
purchase a memento or two of the day and back to the bus
for the homeward journey and dreams of the future and
going back to those dressing rooms to pull on the Yellow
Gold of Clonduff or the Red and Black of Down.

The youngsters above won
all there games in Warrenpoint U6 Tournament on Sunday
31st August 2014. They beat Burren Gaels, Ballyholland
Gaels, Mayobridge, Burren Ogs, Rostrevor, Ballyholland
Ogs and Warrenpoint.

The tournament was
played in a league format, 2pts for a win 1 for a draw,
teams with most points declared winners or teams on same
points go into playoff, and this is exactly what both
Clonduff teams succeeded in doing! However, despite
excellent play and superb teamwork they were unable to
clinch the title but that didn’t take away from the
brilliant football they played. WELL DONE TO BOTH TEAMS!

YOUNG CLONDUFF CAMOGS HAVE GREAT WEEK
AT CAMP JMAC IN MAYOBRIDGE JULY 2014!

Moy U12 Tournament 2014

The U12s had an
early start on Saturday Morning travelling through the
Orchard County and crossing the Blackwater River to play
in the Moy Tournament. 26 teams in total took part in
the Tournament from 8 counties.

In the 'round robin'
format, Clonduff played some excellent football against
Cappagh and Derrylaughanm (Tyrone), Ardara (Donegal)
and St Brigid's (Belfast). The games were marked with
good scoring and strong, attacking football with
Clonduff coming away with 5 wins from eight matches
which placed them into the top tier and the 'Cup' group
for the knock out stages.

During the break and
the sandwiches the talk was all about who would we get
in quarter finals and when Errigal Ciaran came up it
brought back memories of 2000 and the Ulster Club
Championship. Unfortunately the result went the same way
as Clonduff was beaten by what was a stronger team on
the day.

All agreed that it
was a highly enjoyable day and well worth the journey -
It was great meeting up with former team mates, Eoghan
and Ciarán Smith who moved to Sligo a couple of years
ago and were attending the tournament with their Club,
Drumcliffe.

The U10s were represented at two tournaments on Saturday
21st June 2014. The team that travelled to Downpatrick
put on a great show beat Saul and Carryduff in the Group
games, Clann na Banna in the Quarter Final, Kilcoo in the Semi Final
before accounting for Armagh Harps in a thrilling final.
Well done everybody!
Panel above with mentors
Patricia Brown and Sean Cowan: Donnacha Burns, Ronan
Matthews, Conor Quinn, Max Dursley, Shea Morgan, Conor
Grant, Shane Close, Patrick Cowan, Joey O'Hare, Dan
Rafferty, Oisin Logan, Callum Donnan

Meanwhile the group that
travelled to Drumgath for the Annual Pat Meade
Tournament also played very well and reached the semi
final only to be defeated by a single point by Burren.
That panel (below) was: Conor Greer, Finn
Brown, Shea Lowry, Bryan Rice, Senan Carr, Luke
Fitzpatrick, Aidan Kelly, Adam Fegan, Eoghan McAlinden,
Cormac Kelly, Colm Woods

U8½ Footballers reach
Burren Hospice Shield Final

The
young boys and girls reached the Shield Final in Burren
on Saturday 21st June 2014. They played extremely well,
playing CPN (Warrenpoint), An Riocht, Carryduff and
Burren in the Group games. They beat Tullylish in the Shield Semi Final and were narrowly beaten by
St Brigids in the final. The panel was: Charlie O'Hare,
Jordan McPolin, Conor McGrath, Darragh Kane, Peter Binks,
Daniel McPolin, Charlie McConville, Lee Bradley, Dominic
Poitrowski, Eddie Clancy, Darragh Fitzpatrick, Conor
Ward, Cathal Fegan, Fionn Matthews, Niamh McGivern,
James Cunningham, Tiarnan McGrath

However, the day
was good and the football was even better. At the end of
the event Rossa Óg Magherafelt and Clane of Kildare
contested the Cup Final which was won by Rossa Óg; two
Dublin teams Kilmacud and Balinteer contest the Shield
Final with Kilmacud emerging the winners; the Plate was
a shoot out between Saval and Burren with Saval coming
out on top.

Presentation of
medals and trophies were made by members of the Murray
Family, including the Lily Murray Cup to the ‘Player of
the Tournament’ Ryan Lennox of Rossa Óg. Cathal Murray
also presented trophies to the Referees for the day –
Mickey McShane (Dundrum), Paula Cairns, Bernard Branagan
and Barry O’Hagan (all Clonduff). He especially thanked
the organisers and co-ordinators, the tea, sandwich and
burger makers, the shop attendants, Sean Cairns for
setting up the pitches and the clubs, mentors and
players of the clubs who attended.

It’s unfortunate
that the Primary Schools Finals were scheduled for the
same day causing five teams to withdraw – The Youth
Committee and the Murray Family will be looking at the
scheduling of future tournaments as this was a repeat of
last year.

Action from Cup Final
between Magherafelt (Red) and Clane (White)

Lots more photos available
on our FaceBook Page

Brian McGreevy
Memorial U8½ Tournament

A massive 'Thank
You' to the legions of volunteers who turned out on
Saturday 7th June to help with the running of the 9th
Brian McGreevy Memorial Tournament. There were upwards
on 340 children from 20 teams from Down, Armagh, Derry,
Louth and Meath - Despite the rain at the start of the
day, it cleared up after the first round of games and
didn't appear again until thefinals - nothing like the weather
that forecasted for today! Games began at 10.30 and the
tournament was rounded up at 2.30 - everyone got lots of
football and went home happy!Whilst the day is all
about the youngsters getting plenty of football, having
good fun and making new friends. After the group stages,
team went into a knock-out phase - the top two in each
group competing for the Cup; the middle two for the
Shield and the remainder for the Plate.In the final shake-up
Roche Emmets (Louth) defeated Rossa Óg (Magherafelt)Newry Shamrocks defeated
Clonduff in the Shield andShane O'Neills(Camloch)
defeated Dundrum in the PlateIt was a great day and
without the volunteers it just wouldn't have happened -
referees, car parkers, pitch co-ordinators, score
keepers, administrators, PA, kitchen and shop attendees,
burger & chip makers, parents who supplied the
sandwiches and other eatables, cleaner-uppers both
inside and outside, McGreevy Family, mentors of the 20
teams - that's what Clonduff is about! Thank You All!

CONNOR MCCONVILLE
MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Three Generations of
The McConville Family with Kilcoo Captain Cailum Madine

Fifteen teams
participated in the 20th running of the
Connor McConville 7-a-side tournament in glorious
sunshine in Clonduff Park on Tuesday 3rd
June.

The young players
provided a feast of Gaelic Football played to avery high standard. The day was further enhanced by the
presence of Down players Mark Poland and Conor Laverty.
In the semi-finals St Patrick’s Hilltown overcame
Annaclone while Kilcoo defeated Carrick. In what was an
exciting final played to a very high standard Kilcoo
came out on top and were worthy winners.
Before the presentations Mrs Kathleen Cousins principal
of St Patrick’s PS thanked the McConville family for
their continued support for the tournament in this its
20th year. She also thanked teachers Ms McNeill and Mr
McConville and all the staff in St Patrick’s for their
help and all the local primary schools for their
participation in what has become a very important
competition in the school calendar.
Finbarr McConville presented the runner-up trophies to
St Patrick’s Hilltown before presenting the Connor
McConville Cup and trophies to the winning captain
Cailum Madine and team mates.

Despite the threat of bad
weather (which didn't materialise until evening) and the
impending Down v Tyrone replay, P5/P6 age teams from
Down, Tyrone, Armagh, Derry, Dublin, Louth and Meath
assembled in Clonduff Park for the annual festival of
U10½ Football in memory of the late Daniel Andre who
played both Football and Hurling for Clonduff Club. The
festival got underway at 10.30am and concluded some four
hours later. There was lots of great football played
with three competitions to play for after the Group
stages. The eventual winners were:

Clonduff Club offer a
massive thanks to the clubs who attended, the Clonduff
people who helped in the shop, the kitchen and the
clubrooms; the club members (from U14 right up to
Senior) who co-ordinated the pitches, refereed the games
or acted as runners and particularly the people who
pulled the whole event together on the day.

(Waiting for their trophies
and Medals at the Daniel Andre Memorial Tournament 2014)

Busy, Busy Times in
Clonduff Park!

Sunday Mornings in Clonduff
Park are normally very busy with U6 and U8 boys and
girls, U10 boys, U12 and U14 Ladies all being put
through their paces but Sunday 4th May was particularly
busy when The Club hosted the Down Junior Sevens. All
the Juvenile training took place on the main pitch while
the Sevens were played on the top and back fields.

Pictured above with their
coaches Paudie Matthews and Niall Crowley are the U6
boys and girls who are involved in the 'Fundamentals'
programme.(Lots of photographs on our FaceBook Page)

The Coaching
Seminars got under way on Sunday 9th February
with a good turnout of interested people – topic for the
day was Kicking Drills for U6-U16. There are four
seminars at this stage with a further four throughout
the season.

St
Mark's Retain Down U16 Schools Title

Many
congratulations to St Mark's High School,
Warrenpoint who retained the Down U16
Schools Football title - they defeated St
Malachy's High School, Castlewellan on Friday
6th December by a single point. The Clonduff
contingent with the cup are: Conor Keenan,
Brendan
O'Hagan, Shane McGarry, Conor Lowry, Noel Grant,
Liam Geoghegan, Aaron O'Hagan, John Boden

St Patrick's Primary
School Win Canon Esler Shield 2013

Many congratulations to the
boys and girls of St Patrick's Primary School,
Ballymaghery who won the Canon Esler Shield on Monday
28th October 2013. They defeated FinCavall (Aughlisnafin
and Carnacavall combined) 4-8 to 2-6. The game was
played under lights in Mayobridge. Thomas Woods is the
captain and Patrick Cowan was selected as 'Man of the
Match'. The team is pictured above with teachers and
school coaches Plunkett McConville and Meave McNeill.

End of Season Presentation
to U6s

Pictured above are some of
the 30 boys and girls who attended the U6 Fundamentals
in Clonduff Park under the leadership of Kieran Kelly
and Nigel McPolin. On Sunday 29th September they
finished their programme for the year and were presented
with a certificate and a 'goodie bag'. Kieran and Nigel
send big thank you to the parents and the children -
they say it was a pleasure being your mentor. For those
moving on to U8 they send you best wishes and for the
younger children and parents they hope to see you all
back again next year.

Good Day for Juvenile
Football in Clonduff

The U10 boys
(above)f resh from their success in Moy, Co Tyrone last
week travelled to Downpatrick on Saturday 21st September
and repeated the outcome! All the hard work and training
put in over the season is now paying dividends and with
another tournament or two on the cards they can keep
improving. Well done boys and of course your mentors.

Meanwhile the U8
Footballers (below) took part in the Longstone
Tournament on the same day and they finished runners-up
in the Shield Competition! The future looks bright!

South Down U14 Football
Championship Final

Facing the All Ireland U14
Feile Champions was always going to be a big ask and
when both teams took the field in Saval on Saturday
afternoon (14th Sept) it looked truly daunting such was
the difference in height and physique of the Burren
lads. Burren lived up to their reputation and rattled in
three quick goals and one point before the Yellas
realised they were in a game. From then on they matched
Burren score for score until the end of the half.
Clonduff started the second half they way Burren started
the first and rattled in two quick goals to reduce the
deficit to five points to rattle the All Ireland
Champions. For much of the rest of the second half
Clonduff continued to give as good as they got except
that Burren tended to score goals underlying they All
Ireland status. According to the scoreboard they did run
out easy winners but the result was no reflection on the
actual game.

The boys and their families
were treated to a post-match meal in the Clubrooms upon
their return from Saval.

Our U10 boys once again
participated in the unique Moy Tournament on Saturday
14th September. It is unique in that goals don't count
and each club fields an A and B team. A teams play other
A teams and B teams play other B teams - winners are
decided by aggregating the scores of the two teams.
Clonduff won their group and progressed through the
knockout stages to the final with the B team taking the
field first against a strong Dungannon Clarkes teams.
They found the going tough and lost their game by 5
points. The A team started with a big hurdle to climb
but they did it in style. They defeated the Tyrone side
by 7 points to claim the title by a magnificent 2
points.

The day was brilliantly
rounded off when Charlie Brown was declared the A team
Player of the Tournament and young Oisin Logan was
selected as the B team Player of the Tournament.

Great day lads and many
thanks to your mentors Shereen, Patricia, Paul and Sean
for their time and dedication - hard work often brings
its reward!

Charlie Brown A Team Player of the Tournament
with his cousin Team Captain Dan Rafferty

Oisin Logan B Team Player of the Tournament with
former Tyrone great and Moy Player Philip Jordan

Clonduff U12 Footballer in Croke Park

Heartiest congratulations to our U12 Footballer Aidan Markey (No 7 on
the right of picture) who played
in the Cumann na mBunscol mini games at half time in the
Mayo v Tyrone All Ireland Semi Final 2013. It was a great day
for Aidan, his Family and his Club.

Kellogs Cul Camp 2013

160 children aged 4-13½
participated in the annual Kellogs Cul Camp held in
Clonduff Park from 5th to 9th August 2013. Apart from
one brief shower on Tuesday morning the camp was blessed
with good weather. Some of the participants are pictured
above with eleven of the 14 coaches, including six from
Clonduff - Onagh Gribben, Orla Gribben, Sarah
Bloomfield, Rory McGreevy, Ronan McParland and Padraig
Harper - Many thanks to them and all the coaches,
especially Benny Coulter and Gareth Thornton. (Check out
extensive album on our Facebook Page)

Stephen McConville Plays
for Provincial U17 Football Team 2013

Pictured above, Clonduff
Minor Player, Stephen McConville (seated, second left)
played for the Ulster U17 team in the Athletic Grounds
Armagh on Tuesday 6th August 2013. Below, Stephen,
wearing his Clonduff top pictured with Jarlath Burns
after the game.

Clonduff's Youngest Play
in their first Blitz

Cumann Pheadar Naofa,
Warrenpoint organised a Funday on Sunday 28th July
involving six year old youngsters from six clubs,
including Clonduff! The skills that were on view were
incredible for these players of such tender years.

With the short notice and a
lot of families on holidays, etc it was impossible to
take all the players at U6 level so Clonduff fielded one
team.The team that travelled to
the Warrenpoint, pictured above, were Darragh
Fitzpatrick, Rory Fearon,
Dylan McGivern, Eddie Clancy, Lonan Mac Domhnaill,
Callam Green, Conor Ward, Charlie Morgan, Clodagh Kelly,
James Cunningham, Tiernan Mc Grath, and Shea Morgan.
They played 6 matches and the whole team did extremely
well and any more from them. Well done boys and girls.
Also thanks to the parents and to the organisers Cumann Pheadar Naofa

An Riocht U8½ Football
Tournament 2013

Clonduff
GAA Club once again entered 2 teams - Clonduff Ógs and
Clonduff Gaels - into the U8½
Tournament Yesterday in An Riocht. For the second year
in a row the team emerged victorious in the Shield
competition. After playing 3 games in the group stages
Clonduff Gaels entered the knockout stages being paired with
neighbours Kilcoo. In a open and entertaining game
the local rivals matched each other score for score
right to near the end. Clonduff got one last
opportunity at the death and they popped the ball over
the bar to claim a place in the final by a 1
point margin.
Clonduff met Burren in the final in a game which they
dominated from the very beginning. A couple of early
goals settled the nerves and Clonduff finished the half
comfortably in control. The 2nd half was much the same
as the 1st half with Clonduff on top in all areas of the
field. The Final whistle sounded and again Clonduff left
the Tournament not only with medals and a trophy but
also reaping the rewards that come with playing as a
team on the day.
Clonduff Ógs also played 3 games in the group stages and
also played their hearts out. This young team were also
entered into shield competition and drew An Riocht in
the knockout stages. Unfortunately the hosts were too
strong for Clonduff on the day but all of the team can
be extremely proud of their performances. This team will
form the spine for next years U8½ squad.

Clonduff Ógs and Gaels
panellists: Callum, Adam, Donnacha, Senan, Aidan, Conor,
Shea, Ethan, Gerard, Darragh, Brian, Gerard, Kia, Shea,
Brian, Charlie, Aodhran, Caolin, Rory, Finn.
A massive thank you to all at An Riocht and for once
again organising an excellent tournament.
Also thanks to the Clonduff Parents and Mentors for
giving up their time on a Saturday to ensure a great
turnout of supporters to represent the club.

Gary Murray Tournament 2013 -
Clonduff are Cup Winners!

Clonduff A (above) annexed the Gary
Murray Cup on Saturday 22nd June, for the first time
since 2004!

For the third Saturday in
June 2013, over 400 children, their mentors, parents and
family members representing 24 teams from Down, Armagh,
Tyrone, Louth and Kildare converged on Pairc Chluain
Daimh, this week for the 38th running of the Gary Murray
U12 Tournament. Teams were assigned to four groups and
after their five group games were graded for the
knock-out stages with with top two in each group
contesting the Cup Quarter Finals, the middle two
competing for the Shield and the bottom two in each
group for the plate.

The weather wasn't too
unkind and there was a terrific array of skills played
under Go Games Rules and around 4 pm after 78 games the
six teams took the field simultaneously for the three
finals - the Plate was contested between Bryansford and
Longstone with Bryansford emerging winners; Ballyglas
(Ballymartin/Glasdrumman) beat Carrickcruppin in the
Shield Final; Clonduff A and Tullylish played a cracking
game worthy of the Cup final with the home side emerging
winners on a score of 1-2 to 0-2.

Cathal Murray, on behalf of
the family thanked all those who had participated and
those who were involved in any way in organising the
event - he paid special tribute to the young Guest
Referees - Francis and Mark Rogan from Kilcoo and
Michael McShane from Dundrum, as well as the Club
referees, without whose participation there would be no
tournament. He spoke of the important role of mentors,
parents and family members in shaping the future of such
tender talent.

The referees were presented
with plaques by members of the next generation of the
Murray Family. Cathal then called on his cousin, Eugene
O'Hagan on holiday from New York to present the Plate
and medals to Bryansford and Longstone; his brother
Ciaron presented the Shield and medals to Ballyglass and
Carrickcruppin; his brother Damien presented the Cup and
medals to Clonduff and Tullylish. The final presentation
of the day fell to his Cathal Senior - the Lily Murray
Cup for the 'Player of the Tournament'. An almighty
cheer greeted the announcement of Laurence Brannigan as
the first ever Clonduff recipient of this accolade.

U10s at An Riocht
Tournament - Saturday 15th June 2013

Above and below the two
Clonduff U10 teams that got to respective Cup and Shield
Finals at An Riocht Tournament on Saturday 15th June
2013

An Pairc Cluain Daimh was the venue on Saturday last for
the annual Brian McGreevy U8 Memorial football
tournament. Twenty four teams from all over
Ireland participated in a festival of fun and games in a
very enjoyable atmosphere. The boys and girls
displayed a high level of skill and commitment in a very
sporting manner, cheered on by a crowd of enthusiastic
parents and supporters in an atmosphere which did
justice to the occasion. The top two teams
in each section progressed to the cup, the next two in
each section to the shield with the remainder playing in
the plate.

The plate final was contested between Downpatrick and
Saval with Downpatrick coming out on top. In the shield
final Clann Eireann overcame Rostrevor after a second
period of extra time. The cup final also went into extra
time with Warrenpoint eventually overcoming a spirited
Moy Tir na nOg.

Following the games Caroline Carvill (nee
McGreevy) thanked all those who had taken part and all
those who had helped on the day before presenting the
trophies to the winners and runners-up.

Dromintine U12 Football
Tournament 2013

Twenty-two lads
travelled over to Dromintine for their annual U12
Football tournament. First up was Mayobridge B, then
Bellaghy B and finally St Joseph's in the last group
game. Clonduff were unbeaten in the group games and
qualified as winners. In the semi final they met
Ballyholland and after an end to end game where both
teams swapped scores it was all even at the final
whistle then extra time. With determination and a 'never
say die' attitude Clonduff came out 4 point winners. The
final they faced a very strong, physical Bellaghy A
side. At half time the Yellas were 3 points down and
with the breeze in the second half Clonduff gave an
outstanding display of fielding and long range score
taking to overturn the deficit and come away with a 6
point win. Tom Close collected the cup on behalf of his
team mates to a roar of 'Up the Yellas'.

Our U8 footballers had a
great tournament in Burren on Saturday 8th June Winning
the Hospice Tournament Plate

2013 Daniel Andre Memorial U10
Football Tournament

Over 300 children from
Clubs in Down, Armagh, Tyrone, Louth, Meath and Dublin
converged on Clonduff Park on Saturday morning 1st June
and Daniel was surely looking down on everybody as the
rain, which threatened on several occasions didn't
really materialise.

What a festival of
high-class football and brilliant skills belying the
youthfulness of the players - all credit to their
mentors. There were some 'new' clubs this year - Tir na
nÓg (Portadown), Naomh Columcille (Bettystown, Co Meath)
and Kilmacud Crokes Dublin. Following the group stages,
in line with other Clonduff Tournaments, the two top
teams in each of the four groups progressed to the Cup
Knockout stages; teams finishing 3rd and 4th in their
groups went into the Shield quarter finals and the
remaining teams into the Plate quarter finals.

The three finals were
played simultaneously on the main pitch and again the
standard of football was spectacular. The Cup final was
contested between Burren Gaels and Kilmacud A - so close
and well-matched were these two teams that it went to
extra time with the Burren side emerging narrow
winners. RGU Downpatrick took the honours in the Shield
Final v Ballyholland A (last year's Cup winners). The
Plate Final was another close, tight game also going to
extra time where Shane O'Neill's (Camlough) took the
honours against Saul.

Young Kara Andre, assisted
by her cousins presented the Plate and medals to Shane
O'Neill's and Saul; Donna Andre and her cousins presented
the Shield and medals to Downpatrick and Ballyholland;
Luigi and Kara presented the Cup and medals to Burren
and Kilmacud.

A big thank you to the
Andre Family for the day and particularly to Luigi
(assisted by Collie Magee) for making the burgers and
Donna who organised the teas upstairs. There were
legions of Clonduff Club helpers - PJ and Sean who set
up the pitches, Ben, Eddie, Mark, Paula the
official referees a number of Senior Footballers and
juvenile mentors who assisted with pitch co-ordination
and relief referees; the U16 boys who acted as runners;
Alistair and Jimmie for administration, Goretta, Noleen
and Shane who ran the tuck shop; the parents and
families who provided the sandwiches, buns, biscuits,
etc and helped with teas and washing up and young and
maybe not so young people who helped with the clearing
up afterwards. Thanks also to Lorraine, Martin, Marie,
Ross and Teresa for their help in organising the first
Clonduff tournament of the year so successfully -
without such volunteers this just couldn't happen. The
very favourable comments from the visitors spoke
volumes!

(Check out Jimmie Cousins'
photo album on our Facebook page

Anita B

Warrenpoint U8 Football
Tournament 2013

The U8 Footballers (above
and below) took part in the Peadar Rice Tournament in
Warrenpoint on Saturday 25th May fielding three strong
teams. After group games against two Warrenpoint teams,
two Shamrocks teams and Rostrevor, Clonduff progressed
to the semi finals beating Rostrevor by six pooints.
They narrowly lost (2 points) to a very good Warrenpoint
team in the final. The children
taking part were: Cara, Ella, Conor, Finn, Brian,
Cathal, Darragh, Odhran, Eoin, Cai, Sean, Conor, Brian
Callum, Finn, Aidan, Charlie, Harry, Daniel, Senan,
Patrick, Gerard, Donnacha, Adam, Euan, Shea, Rory,
Charlie, Ethan, Colm, Caolan

U6
Fundamentals in Clonduff Park 2013

The
Fundamentals Programme is aimed at youngsters
and their parents and is for children aged 4 to
6. It is co-ordinated by Club Coaches Kieran
Kelly and Nigel McPolin but it is the parents
who actually lead the activities!

South Down Minor Sevens
2013

The Clonduff Minor Sevens
Football team and their mentors that took part in the
Sevens on Tuesday 14th May 2013 in An Riocht (postponed
from Sunday 12th May due to waterlogged pitches in
Warrenpoint). The boys won their group to progress to
semi finals but were defeated by Mayobridge. Back row (l
to r): Louis Brown, Shane Milligan, Jack O'Hagan, Declan
Gribben, Liam McAleavey, Mark Bradley, PJ McGreevy,
Artie Noel McConville; Front row (l to r): Kevin Smith,
Brendan Britton, Rory McQuaid, Stephen McConville,
Thomas Murnin

U12 Footballers get
South Down League Underway

Pictured above is the
Clonduff U12 Football panel who got their League
underway at home on Sunday morning 5th May - they played
host to Mayobridge. The U12 League is structured in such
a way that teams with similar numbers are paired
together - Clonduff are in a group that can field 2 x
11-a-side teams, one playing in Div 1 and the other in
Div 4. A panel of 11 is named beforehand who can only
play for Div 1 though the Div 4 team members can be
promoted to the Div 1 team.

Clonduff Park played host
to twelve teams from eight different clubs on Saturday
13th April 2013 for the first U8 Football Blitz of the
year. There were teams from Burren, Annaclone, Clann na
Banna, Aghaderg, Tullylish, Newry Shamrocks, Saval and
the home club - there were about 150 children in total
and they all enjoyed a great morning's activity before
the weather turned nasty. Clonduff had 40 children
attending some of whom are pictured above and below - a
lot of them obviously new-fangled with the now
compulsory gum shields! (See our Face Book Page for more
photos by Jimmie Cousins)

Minor Footballers get
off to winning Start in 2013

Clonduff Minor Footballers
pictured before their first game of 2013 season at home
to Bryansford on Tuesday 2nd April. They amassed the
great score of 4-14 to 1-8. The boys are pictured with
mentors PJ McGreevy, Louis Brown and John O'Hagan -
missing Artie Noel McConville.

St Mark's are 2013 Arthurs
Cup (Ulster U16) Schools Champions for first time since
1997

St Mark's HS Warrenpoint
had a tremendous win in the U16 Ulster Final on Tuesday
5th March in Enniskillen. They defeated the Donegal team
on a score of 3-18 to 0-9 to secure their first Arthurs
Cup title since 1997! Pictured above with the Cup are
the ten Clonduff lads who helped them do that - Back row
(l to r)
Michael Grant, Darragh McPolin, Conor Lowry, Noel Grant,
Lorcan Branagan; Front (l to r)
Liam Geoghegan, Michael Mulholland,
Connor Murray,
Padraig Harper and Conor Keenan

Congratulations to the young boys of St
Patrick's and St Paul's Primary Schools who retained the An Riocht P5 Age indoor
5-a-side title for the third year in a row.. The tournament was played on Sunday
morning 18th November. The boys are pictured outside the An Riocht gates on
their way home with the trophy.

They played An Riocht, Drumgath and
Bryansford in the group stage and were in a different class. Making light work
of all the opposing teams they won all their games to reach the semi final where
they again played Drumgath with the same result as before. This set up a final
meeting with Mayobridge. This, as expected in the final, was a tight game.
Having fallen behind from two lobbed goals they showed great composure and
character to reply in kind and went on to win by 2 points, securing the title
for the third year in a row.

Clonduff had outstanding performances
throughout the whole team, dominating all sectors. In particular, Luke
Fitzpatrick and Ronan Matthews when called upon were steady and assured with
Shane Close offering vital cover along with his powerful attack play. Up front
Shea Morgan showed his quality taking some fine scores and with Joey O'Hare, Dan
Rafferty and Oisin Login showing fierce hunger against some strong opposition,
the platform was set for a positive outcome. Patrick Cowan, led from the back
and controlled play from the start, and scored with both feet at will - great
skill at this level. Shea Morgan and Patrick Cowan lifted the silverware on
behalf of a deserving Clonduff team and in so doing made it 3three in a row of
famous victories for the Yellas in this prestigious Mournes Blitz - the only one
of it's kind locally.

Thank You An Riocht for organising and
inviting us each year!

St
Patrick's Primary School wins Canon
Esler Shield 2012

Congratulations to St Patrick's Primary
School (above) on winning the Canon
Esler Shield on Friday night 19th
October 2012! The game was played in the
pouring rain under lights in Newcastle.
Having finished runners up in the group
stages earlier in the month they
qualified for the Shield Semi Final.
They defeated Ballycruttle/Saul to set
up a final showdown with St Dallan's
Warrenpoint. They showed a lot of
character having trailed 0-7 to 0-2 at
the break they turned in a sparkling
performance in the second half and ran
out easy winners by ten points! Great,
Great performance. Below, team Captain
Laurence Brannigan is presented with the
Shield surrounded by a lot of happy
faces.

South Down U11 Blitz League

Hard Luck
but well done to our U11 Shamrocks Football team
who finished runners up in Div 1 Blitz League
and the Harps who finished top half of the Div 4
League. Both teams played at Mayobridge on (six
teams each section) in the second and final
blitz. Tommy Kelly Clonduff and South Down Board
member presents the runners up medals to the
Shamrocks Captain.

Congratulations to St Colman's on winning the
Peadar Barry U15 Schools Sevens title on Friday
5th October 2012 for the fifth time in five
years at the An Riocht pitch in Dunavil. They
defeated Abbey Grammar School in the Final. Two
Clonduff boys, Charlie Carr (3rd from right back
row) and Ryan McGreevy (centre front row) were
pivotal in the St Colman's win - in fact it was
Ryan's point in extra time that sealed the
victory!

Clonduff
GAA Club's youngest members who participated in
the Sunday morning Fundamentals Programme
concluded the year with the presentation of
certificates in the Clubrooms. The children,
pictured above with facilitators, Kieran Kelly
and Nigel McPolin are: Back row (l to r) Eoin,
Lishín, James, Peter, Aoife, Lorcan, Callum
Méabh, Conor, Eddie; Middle row (l to r)
Clodagh, Oisín, Tiernan, Dara, Darragh, Bryan,
Lonan, Dylan, Shea, Sean; Front row (l to r)
Saoirse, Lily Rose, Rosie, Ruairí, Allanah,
Callum, Cian, Seón, Faye, Sinéad, Euan, Derarca,
James. Clonduff Senior Teams of the Future!
Thanks to all the parents who helped out on
Sunday mornings - the programme is all about the
children and their parents.

U10
Footballers win final Tournament of the season
in Carrickcruppin 2012

Clonduff
took up a late invitation to Carrickcruppin U10
Football held on Sunday 20th September 2012 at
the Armagh venue, and despite having already
called a halt to their season took up the
challenge and what an outcome - They won the
Shield competitions.

Below
are the joint captains for the day Lawrence Brannigan
and Oisin Tumilty.

What a
weekend it was for some of these young players -
a number of them were also involved in the
Warrenpoint Hurling Blitz which they won the
previous day.

Message
from a Grateful Parent

It was
fitting that the U10 boy footballers end their
very successful season with the Top prize in the
Carrickcruppin Tournment.The perfect way as a
footballer to say Thank You to their mentors for
the dedication, commitment and most important of
all to pass on their knowledge of the game. In
all very much a winning formula.

Congratulations to
our U8 Footballers who won the Shield Competition in the
Annual An Riocht Tournament on Saturday 8th September
2012. Joint captains for the day were Callúm
Donnan and Dan Rafferty. Two teams were entered and they
all received medals.

The
Clonduff lads got off to a slow start and Burren had 4
pts on the board before they opened their account and
this was all that separated them at the end of a
wonderful end-to-end game of football. Clonduff have an
early opportunity to show their true mettle when they
meet the same opposition in the League Final on Thursday
20th September. Panel pictured above Back row (l-r)
Paddy Branagan, Lorcan McAteer, Ryan Matthews, Ryan
McGreevy, John Boden, Conor Woods, Connor Keenan, Jake
Brannigan, Lyndon Brown, Shane McGarry, Colm Fearon,
Brandon Roe; Front row (l-r) Callan Branagan, Darren
Quinn, Dean McCabe, Ross Carr, Ben McConville, Michael
Mulholland (Capt), Liam Geoghegan, Arran O'Hagan,
Jonathon Gribben, Brendan O'Hagan, Sean Brannigan

This was a tough competition for the young boys – they
faced Newry Shamrocks, Kilcoo and Mayobridge in the
preliminaries. The Clonduff team had to playoff
Mayobridge for a place in the semi-finals. This was a
close fought competition with a draw at fulltime. Extra
time was played with the team scoring first winning
through. Clonduff scored a point in the first minute
allowing them to advance to the semi-final against
Drumgath. Clonduff won through with a 0-6 to 0-2 score
allowing Clonduff to move into the Final. The Clonduff
team faced Kilcoo in the final they had previously met
Kilcoo in the prelims and it was a tough match. The
Clonduff boys stayed strong with young Laurence
Brannigan scoring 0-2 followed by Oisin Tumilty 0-1 and
young Padraig Clancy 0-1, scoring for the team allowing
them to win 0-4 to 0-2.

On the
left is Declan Gribben who picked up the 'Boy of
the Week' accolade at the annual Campa Chormaic
in Castlewellan (9th-13th July 2012). Clonduff's
Mark Devlin won the accolade in 2011. On the
right are individual class winners - 3rd from
left is young Clonduffian Christopher McAleavey
- best in his age group! Below is a group of
Clonduff youngsters who attended - could do with
names of the children in front row!

Campa
Chormaic, in memory of the late Coramc McAnallen
(Tyrone), is thriving throughout Ulsterwith
Camps now running in Derry and Antrim - Castlwellan was the first outside Tyrone and so
great is the demand for places Down ran a second
camp in St Colman's College, Newry

Down Memory
Lane!

Louis McNally recently sent
us this magnificent photo from 19 years ago - he says it
was the U14 League Final winners 1993. There are many
familiar faces some still playing and some involved in
other aspects of the game. Would be great if we had the
names please for the record books.

The 37th running of The
Gary Murray U12 Football tournament took place on
Saturday 7th July 2012 in Clonduff Park. Gary and his
mother Lily must have been looking down on Hilltown and
the 22 teams that participated - it was a glorious day
despite the atrocious weather forecast and the
conditions in neighbouring counties and even in other
South Down areas.

It was a wonderful festival
of Gaelic Football which got under way at 10.30am and
concluded at 3.45pm. The format changed for the first
time since its inception to a 3-tier tournament. Teams
were placed into four groups and after playing each
other they went into a knock-out phase with the
top two in each group competing for the original Gary
Murray Trophy (Cup); the middle two in each group
competed for the new Gary Murray Shield and bottom two
competed for the new Gary Murray Plate. Defending
Champions Burren 1 were defeated by neighbours
Warrenpoint in the Cup Final by a single point;
Bryansford defeated the home team Clonduff Shamrocks in
the Shield Final and Kilcoo defeated Burren 2 in the
Plate Final. A young Warrenpoint player received the
Lily Murray 'Player of the Tournament' Cup. All teams
received a 'goodie bag' following their elimination.

Following the
presentations, Cathal Murray thanked the legions of
Clonduff people who made the event happen - Anita
Brannigan for the Trojan work in organising, P J
McGreevy for setting up the pitches, all the
participating clubs from Down, Tyrone, Armagh and
Belfast, the Young (Shane Milligan, Mark Devlin, Sarah
Bloomfield, Stephen McConville) and not so young Clonduff Referees
(Ben Brennan, Thomas Murnin, Paula Cairns, PJ McGreevy) who took charge of the games throughout the day, runners
and timers, the Clonduff children's parents for
supplying enough sandwiches to feed the legions of
visitors and supporters, those who cooked burgers, and
his own family - wife, son, daughter, father, brothers,
aunts, cousins, inlaws and their friends for their help
and support in the day's events.

Many of the Clubs who have
been participating regularly from 1976 and those those
who were participating for the first time were high in
their praise and cannot wait for next year's tournament.
Click here to view a slideshow
of the day's events.
Click here for more photos by Cathal Murray(If you have not
previously used Snapfish you will be asked to set up an
account - free of charge - to enable you to browse
through the 100 photographs)

St Patrick's Primary School are Schools Co
Champions 2012

Many Congratulations to St Patrick's
Primary School who annexed the Schools County Premier Title (11-a-side) for the
first time since 1988 (it was 13-a-side then) and their only other ever title -
they did reach the County Final on four other occasions including 2011 when they
were defeated by the same opposition - the Paul Shields jointly trained
Ballyholland Primary School. The boys are coached by Plunkett McConville
(Clonduff GAA Club Cultural Officer, Meave
McNeill (unfortunately unable to attend on the day and Kitty Fegan deputised for
her)
together with County Schools Coach Paddy Hardy. St Pat's started strongly and
should have had the game out of sight at half time such was their domination but
it just wasn't happening in front of the posts - indeed they failed to score in
the first half and trailed to Ballyholland's single point. Ballyholland got the
first score of the second half and then St Pat's showed their true character.
They scored four points in a row and totally dominated the final quarter to
secure the title which they truly deserved on a score of 0-4 to 0-2. There was a
20-min period at half time for the subs many of whom will be on the starting
team in 2013 (five of today's starting eleven will also be available next year).

Following their triumphant return to
Hilltown the team and their teachers, Fr Cushenan and a large number of parents
and family members were treated to a celebration meal in Clonduff Clubrooms. The
food had been cooked by Club members Laurine Harper, Lorraine Bloomfield and Noreen Tumilty;
set-up by Teresa Carr, Sean and Shane Milligan and Leo and Sarah Bloomfield
and the food was mainly served by the parents - Dads in particular (Clonduff GAA Club just
gained a whole host of new volunteers). Anita Brannigan, Clonduff Secretary
congratulated the boys and girls and their mentors and spoke of the historic
occasion. In reply School Principal, Mrs Kathleen Cousins in congratulating the
boys and girls told them of the great footballers in Clonduff through time but
very few of them possessed this medal! She thanked Clonduff GAA Club for the use
of facilities for training and home games and she particularly thanked the Club
for providing the celebration meal for the team and the teachers. She also
thanked Plunkett, Meave and Kitty for coaching Gaelic Games in St Patrick's -
she included Paddy Hardy in her thanks. Plunkett McConville spoke of the honour
he had in inheriting this great bunch of players - Meave McNeill had been the
Football coach for years and he joined the school staff at just the right time
to reap the benefit. He also mentioned the Goretti, Noleen and Sean Cairns for
their special contribution during the season. The closing words were left to team captain Tom Close who
thanked the coaches and the team for their great efforts and Clonduff Club for
the meal and everything else.

Saturday
9th June was the first dry day since the previous Monday and it was fitting
weather for the staging of the eighth Annual Brian McGreevy Memorial U8 Football
tournament when 27 teams of youngsters, their mentors and families converged on
Pairc Chluain Daimh. There were teams from Down, Armagh Tyrone and Louth and
what a feast of football was served up. Initially the teams played 'round robin'
games in four groups - the top two in each group progressed to the Cup Quarter
Finals; the middle two to the Shield Quarter Finals and bottom two in each group
to the Shield Quarter Finals. A new group was added in 2012 to accommodate those
clubs who sent along a second team - it was all about youngsters getting
football! The B Competition was the first to be decided and final was a close
run thing between Clann Eireann 2 and Burren 2 with the Lurgan side emerging
winners by the narrowest of margins. The other three final were run off
simultaneously with Burren 1 retaining their title defeating Clonduff 1; the
Shield final was won by Warrenpoint 1 who defeated Moy (Tyrone) and the Plate
final went to extra time with Drumgath emerging winners by a single point over
Dundrum.

Caroline Carvill (nee McGreevy) made the
presentations and spoke on behalf of the family thanking those who had taken
part, organised or helped in any way.

Clonduff GAA Club would like to thank very
sincerely the McGreevy family and the army of volunteers who were involved on
the day - parking cars, making teas, burgers, served in the shop, those who
acted as referees (Shane, Mark, Stephen, Sarah, Paula, Ben, Rory, Ciarán, Eddie,
Paddy), runners, pitch co-ordinators, administrators and parents who
made sandwiches or helped in any
way. A special word of thanks to the U16 and U14 players whose assistance was
invaluable on the day. Well done to all concerned!

Connor McConville Primary Schools Tournament
2012

The 18th Annual Connor
McConville Primary Schools Tournament was held in Clonduff Park on Thursday 7th
June 2012. Fifteen teams participated in the competition which was strongly
contested throughout the various rounds. The competition was eventually won by
St Malachy’s P.S. Kilcoo who beat St Colman’s Annaclone in the final.

The presentations were
made by County player Arthur McConville (Connor’s Brother) pictured above with
his parents Arty Noel and Roisin and Kilcoo Captain Shelan Johnston. Clonduff GAA
Club PRO, Jerry Quinn spoke on behalf of the McConville family and thanked
the schools involved, the referees on the day, and in particular St Patrick’s
Primary School, Hilltown and teachers Maeve McNeill and Plunkett McConville for
their efforts in promoting the tournament. Mrs Kathleen Cousins, Principal of
St Patrick’s Primary School also thanked the McConville family for giving the
school the opportunity to host such a prestigious event. The event has now
become an established date in the end-of-year Primary Schools calendar.

Clonduff U12 Boys in Mitchels Tournament
2nd June 2012

The Clonduff U12 Boys Panel (above) and
below taking part in the Mitchels Parade (Photos by Louis McNally)

The Andre Family (l to r) Cara, Luigi,
Donna, and Lauren with Ben Maguire the captain of the Ballyholland team that won
the inaugural Daniel Andre Memorial U10 Football Tournament.

Twenty
five teams assembled in sun-drenched Clonduff Park on Saturday 26th May 2012 for
the inaugural Daniel Andre Memorial U10 Football tournament - what a fitting
tribute to a sports-mad young Clonduffian who tragically lost his life in June
2009 in a
drowning accident about 100m from the Club. We say a big 'Thank You' to the
clubs from Down, Armagh, Louth and Belfast who participated.

The teams were divided into four groups
before going into the knock-out stage with the top two in each group playing off
for the Cup which was eventually won by Ballyholland; the middle two teams from
each group played off for the shield which Kilcoo won and the bottom teams in
the groups played off for the Plate which Drumgath won. However, the day was not
about winning trophies and medals - it was about a lot of youngsters enjoying
the festival of football in tribute to Daniel Andre.

An event such as this couldn't take
place without the legions of Clonduff volunteers who gave their time and help on
Saturday - administrators, referees (some of our Young Referees were
taking charge of their first games), pitch co-ordinators, runners, pitch
markers, those who put up flags, made tea, burgers, attended the shop, parents
who supplied sandwiches and other eatables, etc.

To Luigi, Donna, Lauren and Cara, Daniel
will forever be in the hearts and minds of all in Clonduff. Lauren said on our
Facebook page "Thanks
to all who helped make it such a wonderful day! May we have many more to come!!"

Congratulations to St Colman's College
Newry on winning the 2012 BT Dalton Cup!

The Violet Hill boys came from nine points
down to defeat Omagh CBS by 3-8 to 1-10 and so lift the trophy for the first
time since 1997 - the last time they won it, current manager Ronan McMahon was a
member of the team! St Colman's played against a strong breeze in the first
half, in Pairc Tír na nÓg, Moy, Co Tyrone on Friday 4th May. They trailed
0-7 to 0-1 at half time - a St Colman's penalty came off the upright and another goal
attempt also hit the upright. They fell further behind when Omagh hit the net
right at the re-start but responded in great style holding Omagh to just a
further three points whilst adding on 2-7 to secure the title by four points.

The St Colman's team members are pictured
above in their Club Colours with the distinctive Yellows in the front row - left
to right Lyndon Brown, Ben McConville, Conor Woods and Ross óg Carr.

U14 Feile Peil 2012

Clonduff U14s took part in the
annual Feile Peil competition organised by Bórd na nÓg on Easter
Monday 9th April 2012. 24 teams participated - Clonduff were in
Section A along with Bredagh, Bryansford,
Carryduff, Castlewellan, Downpatrick, Saul, Ballyholland, Burren,
Mayobridge, Rostrevor and Shamrocks - their groups stages were at St
Colman's College and following which Clonduff, Carryduff, Rostrevor
and Burren qualified for the Semi Finals which were in Pairc Esler.
Clonduff was paired with Carryduff and Rostrevor with Burren.
Clonduff played very well but were defeated by Carryduff who in turn
lost the final to Burren.

Below are action shot of some
of the Clonduff boys in the Semi Final - photos courtesy of Bórd na
nÓg - Left - Ryan McGreevy, Middle - Ross Carr, Right - Colm Fearon.

Feile Peil provided the first
official assignment of Niamh Murray who was recently appointed to
Bórd naÓg. Well done everybody!

U12 Footballers 2012

As in 2011 Clonduff fielded
two U12 teams and a decision was made to bring back the names of the
past - one of the teams is called Clonduff Shamrocks and the other
Clonduff Harps. Clonduff Camogs have adopted the same naming style
for their U12 teams also.

Upwards on sixty youngsters aged 4-8
years old took part in the Clonduff GAA
Club's second Gaelic Start Programme
held in INF Hall Hilltown during
February and March 2012. The
Gaelic Start programme is aimed at boys
and girls from P1 to P4 and will be
delivered by qualified coaches and
parents - it can only work with the
input and involvement of the parents.
Now the indoor programme has concluded
these future Clonduff players will be
moving outdoors (weather permitting) to
the Sunday morning coaching session in
the field commencing at 10 30 am.

First Game for Sarah Bloomfield 2012

Very good performances from both
Clonduff U12 teams - the Shamrocks and
Harps on their first outing this year,
despite both losing the challenge games
away to St Peter's Warrenpoint on Sunday morning,
18th March. The amount of blocking and
skill levels was very pleasing.

A
particular mention for 'Young
Referees' from both clubs who took
charge of the games. Sarah Bloomfield
was in charge of the Shamrocks game and
she allowed the
game to flow but was very good in
explaining her decisions to players.
Sarah is pictured with the Shamrocks
above and below left Sarah in Action.
Below right is the Harps game refereed
by St Peter's 'Young Referee' Well done everyone!

Athletic Success for Clonduff Boys
2012

Congratulations to Conor Gribben
(son of Eddie and Eileen),
Castlewellan Road who recently won the
2012
All Ireland Schools title with St
Colman's Senior Cross Country School
team in Galway. Conor has played
football for Clonduff until recently. This All Ireland completes the set of
Down, Ulster and All Ireland medals for
Conor and is just reward for a long hard
winter of tough training in all sorts of
weather.

Conor, third from right above with his
team mates is coached by: Declan Mussen,
R Friel, B Kane - the same group of lads
won the All Ireland Intermediate title
two years ago but this is St Colman's
first ever All Ireland Senior title.
Well done Conor and all concerned!

Congratulations also to Darren Quinn
(son of Artie and Marylou),
Slievenagarragh, and a member of the
Clonduff U12 Football team who was on
the St Colman's first year athletics
team that won the Down and Ulster Cross
Country titles 2012. Darren is pictured
above (centre) with the Monaghan twins
Andrew and Patrick from Rathfriland who
are members of the Senior Team

Clonduff (Primary 5 and under) School Boy Indoor Gaelic Football Champions in An Riocht
2011

Seven Clonduff
primary school boys were selected to play in this now annual indoor
Gaelic football tournament in An Riocht. Going one step better than
last year they ran out worthy winners of the over all competition
played on Sunday 11th December.

The games were
played on a 5-a-side basis with unlimited substitutes and each game
lasting five minutes. Eight teams participated; An Riocht A and B,
Longstone, St John's, Dundrum, Attical, Bryansford and Clonduff.

Clonduff met
Bryansford in the final and kept their unbeaten run intact by
winning a very exciting, enjoyable game and tournament. All seven
players were involved and contributed equally to the overall win.

Aaron Norris
held fort in goals with excellent ball handling under pressure and
accurate, intelligent distribution of clearances. Niall Ward was his
usual tenacious self when in defence putting opponents under extreme
pressure always. Patrick Cowan matched this aggression in defence
while offering an attacking flair now almost expected of him. In the
middle were the power houses of this team spearheaded by the
impressive Morgan and Clancy duo. Winning every battle Jake stormed
through and scored at will, complemented by the ever tricky,
skilful, energetic Padraig they were involved in all that was good.
However, our forwards of Charlie Brown and Kieron Brannigan equalled
this intensity with some clinical finishing and team spirit. In
particular, in the final when Clonduff went 2 goals down and with
time at a premium Charlie showed great resolve with some seriously
classy and vital finishing to bring the Clonduff boys back in to it.

A tight finish
ensued but a deserving victory was joyfully attained by one and all
in the end. Kieran Brannigan was the obvious choice for collecting
the silverware on behalf the team adopting a captain's role of
encouragement to his fellow team mates throughout. Congratulations
to Clonduff School boys!

Also a big
Thanks to An Riocht for the invitation and well organised indoor
Gaelic Football event.

A great night in the Club on
Friday 14th November when not only players and their parents turned
out but also a large number of current and past players and
supporters to welcome the Special Guests of Honour - Darragh Ó Sé,
Danny Hughes, Fionnuala Carr and Orla Maginn - and congratulate the
Clonduff youngsters on their achievements throughout the year.

The evening started with
burgers and hot dogs, prepared by Seamus and Angela McAteer of the
Boulevard and served by the mentors following which the guests were introduced by
Assistant Youth Officer Shereen Lyness-Feehan - Fionnuala on behalf
of herself and Orla addressed the boys and girls and spoke of the
importance of committing to training and listening to their mentors;
Danny and Darragh, in their addresses echoed these sentiments and
all four guests received a massive round of applause. Shereen and
her Co-Assistant Youth Officer Patricia Brown introduced the team
and individual award winners.

In concluding the evening
formal proceedings, Chairman Brendan Murray thanked Darragh, Danny,
Orla and Fionnuala - he commented on all of them giving up their
time, Darragh's long journey from Kerry, and he congratulated the
two girls on the award of their 'Soaring Stars' which will be
presented on Saturday night (5th November). He thanked all the
children, parents, mentors, and other local people who attended; he
also thanked Seamus and Angela for the food, Shereen and Patricia
for keeping the proceedings running; Alistair for the PowerPoint
Presentation and Ross for organising the attendance of Darragh and
Danny. The guests then happily posed with children and family
members for that special photograph for the family album.

Clonduff U11A team
2011

Clonduff
entered two teams in the U11 2-leg Blitz league and the
A team went into Sunday's game ahead of the pack but
despite playing great football they lost their first two
games on Clonduff's new pitch by a single point which
allowed Burren to top the table and lift the title from
Clonduff who had won the competition last year. The lads
pictured above with mentors P J McGreevy and Paul
Carlisle are: Back row: (l tor) Ethan
Lyness-Feehan, Aidan Markey, Padraig Kelly, James
Keenan, Conor Milligan; Front row (l to r) Jamie
O'Hagan, Laurence Brannigan, Shane Parr,Eamon Brown,
Christopher McAleavey, Padraig Wilson, Tom Close,
Charlie Kerr

First
Competitive Game on New Pitch - Saturday
29th October 2011

The
Club U21 Championship got under way for
Clonduff (above) on the the new pitch when
they entertained Drumclone (amalgamation of
Drumgath and Annaclone) (below) on Saturday
29th October 2011 and had a facile win with
a score of 4-16 to 1-8. There were great
performances from many of the Clonduff lads
including those who had played in the Senior
match on Friday night including Arthur
McConville who has made a full recovery from
the injury he received in the Senior game.

Three teams were entered from the Clonduff U10 squad, A, B and C in
Warrenpoint’s 11-a-side tournament.

After previously being cancelled twice due to adverse weather
conditions, the sun shone on the young players as they battled
through their games. The A team were entered into to the Cup
tournament. Playing against Warrenpoint A, Burren A, Mayobridge A,
Carrickruppen A and Ballyholland A the Clonduff A team lost only one
of their qualifying games to Mayobridge in a tightly competed match.
This could have been due to a late night had by the team after
supporting their heroes of Clonduff Senior footballers in the
Championship Final.

The Clonduff A team met with Warrenpoint A in the semi-final beating
the side 0-5 to 0-3. They went on to meet Ballyholland A in the
final winning the game comfortably 1-5 to 0-3. The player of the
tournament came from this game in the guise of Shane Parr who played
to his full potential throughout all the games played.

The Clonduff B team played outstandingly winning all of their
preliminary games against Ballyholland B, Burren B, Mayobridge B and
Warrenpoint B. They went into the final facing opponents Warrenpoint
B, the Clonduff side winning comfortably 3-8 to 0-0. This is the
second year running the Clonduff B side attained the Plate.

The Clonduff C side played outstanding winning their first game
against the Warrenpoint B team 1-0 to 0-1. They held tight and
unfortunately lost their other games in the Plate section.

A great day was had and many thanks to the Warrenpoint Club for
their hospitality and to the children’s parents for having them
presented so well.

Clonduff U16 Footballers became the first team to play a full match
on the new Clonduff Pitch when they entertained the Carlow U16
County Champions, Tinryland.

Clonduff won a hard fought and entertaining match on a scoreline of
2-7 to 0-10. The boys started slow missing numerous chances in
the early stages being blocked down 5 or 6 times inside 25 yds
instead of moving the ball on quicker for a definite score. Drawing
4 points each at halftime Clonduff came out stronger in the 2nd half
going 4 points up, scoring a goal and a point – they controlled the
match for about 15 minutes and but for some wasteful shooting would
have been out of sight. Tinryland came back into the game scoring a
couple of points but the Yellows struck back getting another goal
and a point which proved to be their last scores of the game. Behind
by 6 points Tinryland came back bravely scoring 3 points but due to
some hard work by the Clonduff boys they could not get in for the
vital goal which would have drawn it.

The good news was that Darren Harper was back down at the field for
the first time since his injury for the team photo. The management
and the boys would like to wish the Seniors all the best for the
final and for the rest of the season.

This unusual game pairing resulted from Down and Carlow’s initiative
for ‘twinning’ and this was the historic first game. Benny Coulter
spoke to the visitors following the game and both teams and their
mentors were entertained to a hot meal in Clonduff Clubrooms
courtesy of the Down County Board. Both teams agreed it had been a
very worthwhile experience and particularly as Clonduff won the
first game on the pitch which augurs well for the future!

(Right) Adult
visitors with Aidan Carr and John O'Hagan in the
Clubrooms

Clonduff U10s win Moy
Tournament 2011

Clonduff U10 Footballers went
to Moy, Co Tyrone on Saturday and came out on top in a well
organised competition that included teams from Tyrone, Armagh, Down
and Donegal. The unique nature of the competition shows the overall
strength of a team as each fields an A and B side and the aggregate
results of both determine the winner.

Clonduff were in a group that
included Omagh, Dungannon, Moortown and Trillick. Accumulating a
total of 13 points from a possible 16 for the two teams, Clonduff
finished top of their group going on to beat Enniskillen in the
quarter Final and Drumragh (Tyrone) in the semi final. In the final
they came up against fellow Down team Carryduff. In a great final
Clonduff came out on top with an aggregate of 5 points.

The Fr Soroghan Cup was
presented to joint captains Aidan Markey and Kieran Mulholland
(below left). An added bonus for Clonduff was Tom Close (below
right), who was outstanding all day, being selected 'Player of the
Tournament'.

McAlinden
Memorial Cup in Burren 10th September 2011This was a four-team
15-a-side tournament with games 15 mins each way. Each
team played the other with whoever finished top of the
table claiming the trophy. Clonduff won all 3 of their
games as follows: Clonduff 2-6 Killeavy 2-5 - this was a
tight end to end game with a Clonduff goal in the final
seconds to take the win; Clonduff 5-7 Burren 1-1 - a
great win against a Burren team that had beaten them
twice in the South Down League. Clonduff had a great
second half display scoring 4 goals against the wind;
Clonduff v Mayobridge was a convincing win for the young
'Yellas' to claim top of the table and the cup to end
their season on a high note. The photo above: Back Row:
Darragh McPolin, Charlie Carr, James McGreevy, Conor
Lowry, Noel Grant, Jake Brannigan, Ryan McGreevy, Lorcan
McAteer, Shane McGarry, Peter McAleavey, Aaron O'Hagan,
Michael Mulholland; Front Row: Brendan O'Hagan, Pierce
Murnin, Ross Carr, Colm Fearon, Conor Murray (Captain),
Padraig Harper, Lorcan Brannigan & Conor Keenan. Missing
from photo: Rory Hughes and Reese Ward. On the
left is the Clonduff Captain Conor Murray accepting the
trophy

Down Óg Sport U15
Football Sevens 2011

The Clonduff
U15 boys who took part in the County Óg Sport
competition in August pictured with mentor Pat McCarthy
(right) and Liam McGreevy (jnr).

A group of U-13
boys from Clonduff arrived in Tralee on Friday afternoon for the
Rose Cup competition. Guests of the Kerry Music school where the
accommodation was far from star status the boys and their mentors,
Aidan Brown, Sean Fearon, Ciaran Mc Greevy and Club Youth Officer
Paddy Mc Conville made the best of it. Kearns O’Rahilly’s club in
Tralee was the location for the Rose Cup. Glorious weather and good
pitch conditions ensured a good standard of football. Clonduff and
St Ronan’s of Roscommon, a team from Derry and Tipperary were the
only non Kerry teams taking part in the tournament so competition
was tough throughout.

Ardfert
(Kerry) 3-3 Clonduff 3-2

An early start
caught the young Clonduff boys off guard and it took them a while to
get up to the pace of the Kerry lads. When they got going they
could easily have won the game save for a few simple mistakes. A
loss by the minimum margin was the final result but it did not deter
the young boys.

Listowell
Emmets (Kerry) 0-5 Clonduff 3-5

A few positional
switches and a bit of a motivational chat had the boys well up for
their next game against the famous Listowell Emmets club. Clonduff
played with great teamwork and forced their way through the Emmet’s
defence to get the vital scores. Likewise the Clonduff defence
withstood the Emmet’s attack and the boys ran out easy winners.

Clonduff
0-7 Austin Stacks (Tralee, Kerry) 0-4

Buoyed up by
their win over Emmets the boys realised that they could make the
semi-finals since Ardfert had drawn with Austin Stacks. Racing into
an early lead the Clonduff boys led early but Austin Stacks hit back
and were one ahead by half-time.

The second half
was delayed slightly as our own Down Rose Nicole Curran had made a
huge fuss to have her itinerary changed to make a visit to the
boys. Not only did she convince the organisers to visit the boys
but she brought another four roses with her including the Roscommon
and Derry Roses. Furthermore the Kerry press arrived to take
photographs of Nicole and the boys. The visit certainly spurred the
boys on as they went on to add further points and win the game.

After an
impromptu lunch made up by some Clonduff ladies, thanks to Phyllis
McShane, Patricia McGreevy and Marie Walls the boys played Dingle in
the semi-final.

Clonduff
2-8 Dingle (Kerry) 0-1

The semi-final
proved to be the easier game with the boys running out easy winners
to qualify for the final.

A quick change
of venue to the Na Gaeil club was necessary for the final.

Clonduff
0-1 Na Gaeil (Kerry) 1-5

This was played
at Na Gaeil’s ground. The Na Gaeil club started well with early
points and just before half time scored their goal. The Clonduff
boys tried hard but found their big midfield duo hard to break
down. The second half was much similar to the first half with Na
Gaeil adding more points and Clonduff trying their best to break
down their midfield and defence. In the end they were beaten by a
better team.

A GREAT
OPPORTUNITY

The boys
received runners-up Rose Cup medals which they will cherish for a
long time to come. It is not often that a group of young boys get
the chance to travel to Kerry to take on the best Gaelic Football
has to offer and compete confidently with them. The teamwork, skill,
discipline and confidence shown by the Clonduff boys reflects the
excellent coaching and hard work which is going on with the youth in
Clonduff. If we ever had any doubts as to the success of our
coaching they were laid to rest in Tralee. No one boy stood out on
the playing field as all of they gave of their best and their
teamwork was a joy to watch. Collectively they were a credit to
their families, Clonduff, Down and indeed Ulster. Down football is
well respected in Kerry and this group of boys certainly
strengthened that respect. Keep it up boys, you will certainly have
a huge career in the future.

On Saturday
evening the boys along with the other clubs were part of the main
Rose of Tralee Parade. Large crowds from all over Ireland lined the
streets and were thoroughly entertained by a large number of bands,
street entertainers and of course the Roses. It was great to be
part of it and the boys got great support from the very many Down
people who had travelled to Tralee for the weekend.

UNIQUE
OPPORTUNITY

The opportunity
for the boys to travel to Tralee for the Tournament arose because of
Nicole’s success in the Down Rose of Tralee and Clonduff GAC is
indebted to Nicole for this. These young boys and their mentors had
a unique opportunity. The mentors would like to congratulate the
boys on their excellent behaviour and co-operation over the weekend
and are already looking forward to continued success with this
group. They have got over the puncture in the blow up bed boys!

Finally, a big
thank you to the parents who made the long journey to Tralee. They
were not disappointed as they enjoyed a great day’s football and the
craic and support was just brilliant. One parent recalled a trip he
had made with Clonduff GAC to the Listowel Emmetts club in the mid
eighties when he was a similar age. Perhaps we can search the
archives Brendan to get a report on this trip.

Well done boys
and thanks again Nicole for a great weekend in Tralee. It will live
long in our memories.

All Ireland
Community Games Finals 2011

Pictured above are
the young Clonduff U9½ Footballers and their mentors
who, having won the Ulster title travelled to Athlone
and took part in the All Ireland Finals on the weekend
13th/14th August. They can rightly feel hard done by
when in their semi final they had a goal disallowed (for
a square ball) and lost by a single point. In the 3rd
place playoff on the Sunday the same fate befell them
and lost by two points. Despite all this the children
had a wonderful weekend and every child came home with a
magnificent medal for reaching this stage. The team and
mentors would like to thank sincerely everyone,
including the parents who made the weekend possible!

Gary Murray U12
Tournament 2011

Nineteen teams
assembled in Clonduff Park on Saturday 30th July for the
35th running of the Gary Murray Tournament. The weather
was excellent and so was the standard of skills
exhibited by the young players from Down, Armagh and
Belfast. In the group stages each of the teams got sixty
minutes football which was refereed by Clonduff referees
Paula Cairns, Shane McGreevy, John Francis Murray and
Ben Brennan. The administrators were Anita Brannigan,
Alistair McGilligan, Marie Walls and Mary McGreevy. A
number of young Clonduffians acted as runners between
the administrators and the pitches.

Clonduff A, Burren
A, Clann Eireann A and Castlewellan emerged as table
toppers from the four groups with Castlewellan and
Burren meeting in the final. There was very little
between the two finalists though Burren were able to put
their scores away just that little bit better than the Lurgan side to lift the Gary Murray Trophy for the
second year in a row. Liam Kerr also Burren lifted the
Lily Murray Cup for the 'Player of the Tournament'.

Cathal (Snr) and
Damian Murray were on hand to make the presentations and
a host of Murray relatives and friends kept the tea and
sandwiches going whilst Goretta Cairns manned the shop.

Campa Chormaic
2011

Campa Chormaic An
Dúin was the first such camp outside Tyrone in memory of
the late Cormac McAnallen. It is now a well established
feature in the Down summer calendar and is held in St
Malachy's High School, Castlewellan. The youngsters aged
9-15 years spend some time in the classroom learning
their native language and a greater part of the day
learning or honing their skills in the Gaelic field
sports of Football and Hurling/Camogie. As usual,
Clonduff had a big representation with 23 children
attending and thanks once again to Teresa Carr for
organising the transport.

Organisers
reported that the Clonduff youngsters were a credit to
their families and to the Club with Mark Devlin (above
left) picking up the award to the Overall Best Boy of
the Week and Jenna Boden (above right) picking up the
award for the Best Girl in her Class. Well done Mark and
Jenna and everyone else who attended the Camp.

Clonduff
Youngstersto Play in Croke Park

This is the second year Down
Youth Committee have organised a day out in Croke
Park for U12 club members. The
big day for Colleen Brannigan and Callan Branagan (pictured above
and left and right practising
their skills) in 2011 is on Monday 18th July.

Colleen's and Callan's names
were drawn out of the hat.

It will be an early start for
Colleen and Callan. The bus will leave Castlewellan (the only pick
up / drop off point) at 7am sharp in order to be ready to take the
field in Croke Park at 9am.

Children will travel in
club colours (tracksuits, hoodies etc) and wear their full club
playing strip whilst taking part on the field. They will be
playing both Football and Hurling / Camogie and they will taken
on a tour of the stadium.

Afterwards, the bus will
depart Croke Park Stadium at 12.30pm / 1pm returning straight to
Castlewellan where parents will collect their children.

Parents and other family
members can make their own way to Croke Park where they will be
accommodated in the Cusack Stand.

Colleen, daughter of John
and Rosemary, is a member of the newly-formed U12 Ladies
Football team but played regularly for the the U10s which is a
mixed team. Callan plays for U12 Boys and is son of Lee and
Carleen.

New Jerseys for
U12 Footballers 2011

P & K Coaches
presented the U12 Boys Football team with a new set of
jerseys (13th July 2011). the boys, looking resplendent
in their new strip with P & K director, Rory Matthews
and his young son

Juvenile Boley
Football Challenge Games 2011

Sunday 10th July saw over
sixty children take part in the now annual U-8 Boley
Challenge, with two teams visiting from Warrenpoint, one
from Saval and Clonduff lining out two teams. The first
matches took place between Clonduff A and Saval, while
Clonduff B took on the challenge of Warrenpoint B. The
second round of matches saw Warrenpoint A play Saval and
Warrenpoint B play Clonduff B again. The final match
took place between Clonduff A and Warrenpoint A.

Each match
played by the youth of Clonduff resulted in hard fought
victories. The girls and boys from all sides showed
great skills and determination in their matches, which
resulted in a very enjoyable morning for all those who
attended. The entire Clonduff squad is pictured above
with mentor John Norris. A big "Thank You!" to
Warrenpoint and Saval for their participation and to
Clonduff GAC for supplying the medals to each and every
child who took part, ensuring a lot of smiling faces at
the end of the day!

Not to be
undone the U12 girls played host to neighbours Kilcoo
and a fine game of football was witnessed, both sides
displaying a high degree of skill. Both squads are
pictured below

New Jerseys for
U16 Footballers 2011

The Clonduff U16
Footballers were presented with a new set of Jerseys by
local company Aspray Claims Management recently. Photo
shows company director Miceál Crilly presenting the
jerseys to team coach Liam McGreevy, with; L to r Liam
McGreevy Jnr., Mark Bradley, Pat McCarthy, Gary Haughian
Niall Rafferty and Rory McQuaid

Clonduff U9½ Gaelic Footballers are Ulster Community Games
Champions 2011!

On Saturday 25th June Clonduff 9½ footballers made the long journey
to Templemore Complex, Derry as Down representatives
(they defeated Mayobridge in Down Final) in the Ulster Community
Games Finals. In the Semi Final, first up for Clonduff was a
Cavan team , who came into the game as favourites for the title -
their team was made up of boys from five different clubs in the
Cavan area. This was a tough game with Cavan leading the Down
Champions by 2 points at half time. The second half started slowly
for Clonduff who found themselves eight points down before they
began a major fight-back. Clonduff took the lead with three minutes
to go. Young Padraig Clancy scored the point that put Clonduff into
the lead shortly followed by a goal from Eamon Brown and another
point from Shane Parr to give the young Yellas a five point cushion
at the end of the game. In the final saw Down facing Cullyhanna the
Armagh Champions, Cullyhanna scored the first point but soon the
Clonduff boys dominated the game leading by 4-2 to 0-2 in the first
half. The second half saw the Armagh boys fighting back but to no
avail - Clonduff were just too strong for them. Final score Clonduff
6-4 Cullyhanna 0-8. Shane Parr was in fine form in midfield and was
supported handsomely by Captain Laurence Brannigan in defence but
overall both games were about team performance with the boys working
hard together, listening to the mentors and following through on
their directions. The scorers in the final were Aidan Markey 0-2,
Shane Parr 2-0, Cain Rooney 2-0, Padraig Clancy 1-0 and Eamon Brown
1-2.

The
Clonduff boys will represent Ulster in the All Ireland Finals to be
held in Athlone over the weekend 12th-14th August.

The U 12 footballers fielded two teams in
their new sponsored kits on Saturday with the B team being put out in the
preliminary quarter finals by our A team. Clonduff As were narrowly defeated by Bryansford in the semi finals. However, the
highlight of the day (aside from the new kit) was the boys collecting £74 for
Marie Curie Cancer Research, a very generous contribution. Well done!

Down
Primary Schools County Final 2011

St Patrick's Primary
School reached the Down Schools Final when they came up against
Ballyholland PS on Saturday 18th June 2011. The boys played
brilliantly but unfortunately they could not repeat the feat of two
weeks earlier when they defeated Paul Shields' team in the Conor
McConville Tournament. Paul's team reversed the result of that final
and lifted the cup. The Clonduff youngsters were very disappointed
but they must remember that all in Clonduff are extremely proud of
their reaching the County final. The boys above, pictured with Club
(and school) coaches Jimmie Devlin and Artie Quinn in St Malachy's Castlewellan
include Enda McAleavey, Jamie O'Hagan (joint capt), Christopher
McAleavey, Darren Quinn, Dylan Downey, Ben McConville (joint capt),
Aaron Devlin, Padraig Wilson, Tom Close, Tiarnan Russell, Charlie
Kerr, Jude Campbell, Dean McCabe, James Keenan, Shane Cairns, James
Carvill, Ethan Lyness-Feenan, Ruairi Quinn, Darragh McSloy, Conor
Fitzpatrick, Cathal Fitzpatrick, Owen Murray, Matthew Trainor,
Eugene Lively, Niall McAleavey, Rory McKernan

McGreevy U8 Football Tournament2011

The second Saturday in June is now
synonymous with the congregation of U8 footballers in Clonduff Park for the
annual McGreevy Tournament. Saturday 11th June 2011 started off as a dull
morning but brightened up and stayed that way for the entire tournament when 20
teams from Down, Tyrone, Armagh and Louth put on some stunning displays belying
the youth of the participants. At the end of the round-robin stage the two top
teams from each group proceeded to the knock-out stages for the cup, the two
middle teams from each group played off for the Shield with the remainder
playing off for the Plate.

The eventual outcome was as follows:

Cup - Burren A defeated Clonduff A

Shield - Rostrevor A defeated Drumgath

Plate - Longstone defeated Clonduff B

A great day was had by all

Conduff teams in the McGreevy
Tournament

The Clonduff A team's first game defeat didn't appear to stifle their appetite as they went on
to beat every team in their path to the final of the coveted McGreevy cup. They
had big wins over Moy and Rostrevor to secure a place in the quarter finals -
there were excellent performances all round.

In the quarter finals against Saval it the defence and goalies
were superb. Bredagh was next up in the semi-final and with confidence high, the referee allowed game to flow, all that was good
about juvenile football came to the fore. Superb fielding, accurate kick and
hand-passing linked the defence with attack belying the youth of the players to
reach the final.

Alas, it was that same Burren team that was to halt these young ambitious
players march to victory. Meeting on the day
for a second time the Clonduff boys, albeit exhausted rose to the challenge. The
better team did duly win but the margin of defeat was minimal and augers well for future exchanges.

Luck
of the draw deserted a very young and inexperienced Clonduff B side as they were
grouped with strong "A" teams. However, they showed great determination and
courage in all their games to earn themselves a semi-final spot with Rostrevor
"B". Backed by a large and vocal support they won a nail biting match 2-1 to
progress to the final. Longstone "A" team were the opponents here and again they
proved far to strong for Clonduff, running out comfortable winners. Credit has
to be given to these players as each and every one of them never let their heads
go down and they battled for every ball. Maybe a review of the draw procedure
could see these younger teams in a group of similar age and ability.

A big thank you to all associated with
this very well organised McGreevy tournament from U8 mentors: Niall Rafferty,
Sean Gribben, Stephen Morgan, Keith Kelly, John Norris, and Sean Cowan. PS:
sandwiches were delicious, parents well done to all!!

Mitchels U12 Tournament
2011

Despite losing
narrowly in the Plate final to a very good Leitrim team, Clonduff U12s can hold
their heads high after an excellent display of footballing skills and commitment
by all the team. A long day (8 hours in total) saw wins against Carrickcruppen,
St Enda's (Antrim) and Ballybay (Monaghan) in the group stages to set up a
quarter final game against St Marys (Louth) and the host club, Mitchels, in the
semi's. The entire squad were fantastic, with many other teams commenting on the
positive, composed football that was played. Special mention, however, goes to
Thomas O'Hare in goals, who pulled off some outstanding saves. Many thanks to
the parents who also endured the long day and congratulations to Mitchels for
hosting a tournament with 40 teams.

The young Gaelic
Footballers of St Paul's Primary School Cabra took part in a special
training blitz with Marty Clarke in Newcastle on Tuesday 17th May.
They formed two 9-a-side teams and played training games against
other Primary schools in the area and had a most enjoyable day. The
children pictured above with Marty Clarke, Liam Hardy (Ulster Coach)
and Principal Vincent Devlin are: Back row (l to r) Amy Johnston,
Larry Lynch, Eoghan Smith, Conor McAlinden, Padraig Kelly, Jack
Campbell, Conor Milligan, Ryan Woods, Jake Morgan, Laura Mackin,
Aoibheann O'Hare, Clare McAlinden; Front row (l to r) Niall Ward,
Roisin McPolin, Sarah Kelly, Isabella O'Hare, Declan
McCloskey-Hudson, Kayla Woods, Darragh McAlinden and Corshenna
McCoy.

U8 Go Games 2011

Clonduff Under 8 footballers got their Go Games season off to a flying start at
Ballymartin on
Saturday 30th April.Fielding two teams ensured full involvement
of all players and both teams won all five games! All children played in
different positions throughout the event enabling valuable experience across the
field.
Team 1 had a strong presence in mid-field with Shane Close and Patrick Cowan
dominating whilst up front Aaron Gribben pulled all the strings
ably assisted by Shea Morgan. Shoring up a formidable defence were Luke
Fitzpatrick and Will Kelly along with new comer Oisin Logan showing great
promise. Best in goals went to Conor Grant who also put in a good effort out in
the field.
Team 2 settled into the new format quickly with Max Dursley, Joey O'Hare and Dan
Rafferty finding their scoring boots from the start. Ronan Matthews had a safe
pair of hands when playing in goals and our trio of female defenders Abbie
Fitzpatrick, Rachael Norris and Emir McAleavey showed no fear. Donnagha
Burns showed lots of commitment in all the positions he played. Highlight of the
day has to go to the new midfield partnership of Aaron Norris and Callum Donnan.
At times it seemed as if they were playing together for years with some fine
moves and scores from both players.

The mentors wish to thank the parents for their support and to Ballymartin GAC
for a most enjoyable well organised day. Below are two photos of the U8s (left)
back row Shane Close, Patrick Cowan, Aaron Gribben, Connor Grant; front row Shea Morgan,
Oisin Logan, Luke Fitzpatrick, Will Kelly.

Congratulations to St Colman's College
on retaining the Hogan Cup for the first time in their history! They defeated
championship leaders, St Jarlath's Tuam by a single point in Croke Park on
Saturday 9th April 2011. They are trained and managed by Clonduff club man Cathal
Murray, assisted by Declan Mussen (born in Kilcoo but with Hilltown roots).
Clonduff young players also played a big part - Tony McGreevy at corner forward,
Ruairi Lively at corner back with Henry Brown and Niall Tumilty members of the
panel. There were three Kilcoo boys on the team - Ryan and Jerome Johnston and
Daryl Branagan - all with Clonduff roots too! Well done everybody and lets go
for three in a row next year!

Below: Darragh McPolin goes up for a ball v Bredagh with Charlie
Carr in close attention

Bottom Left: Charlie Carr v Bredagh

Bottom Right: Rhys Ward in hot pursuit of a Mayobridge player with
Darragh O'Hanlon supporting

Clonduff
Youngsters help the neighbours celebrate the opening of their new
floodlit pitch!

Best wishes to our neighbours Kilcoo on
the opening of their new floodlit pitch on Friday 25th March 2011. Clonduff
youngsters played their part in the celebrations - at half time in the main
event (Kilcoo v Ulster Select) our U10 Boys played Burren U10s and our U12
Ladies played the local side for their very first game as an all-girls team! A
great time was had by all!

The girls pictured above with
Paula Cairns, have been playing their football in mixed boys and
girls teams but the time time has come to register an U12 Ladies
team in their own right. They began separate training on Sunday 27th
March (25 girls turned up) and will take part in Ladies Blitz games.
Back row (l to r) Tiarna Mullan, Amy Parr, Fiona Burns, Erin
Rafferty, sinead Woods, Corshenna McCoy, Michaela Woods, Clara
Cowan, Niamh fearon, Cara Boden; front row (l to r) Colleen
Brannigan, Elana McGarry, Aoife McEvoy, Isabella O'Hare, Summer
Brannigan, Tamsin Brannigan

Well over 40 adults (and some children) attended the Parents'
Information Evening in the INF on Tuesday 23rd
November 2010. The Gaelic Start programme is aimed at
boys and girls from P1 to P4 and will be
delivered by qualified coaches and parents - it
can only work with the input and involvement of
the parents. So Clonduff is off to a great start
already! All children welcome at 6 45 pm for one
hour starting Tuesday 30th November. The
programme will initially be led by the Ulster
Council coaches, Ciarán Murtagh and Gareth
Thornton, who are presently involved with the
local primary schools

Clonduff U11 A team retained their South Down
League title in Burren on Sunday 31st
October. Clonduff A won all their four games
against Burren A, Shamrocks, Warrenpoint and
Rostrevor. Thomas O’Hare kept a clean sheet for
Clonduff not letting one goal past his capable
hands. Clonduff and Shamrocks qualified for the
Final playoff game which Clonduff won 0-7 to
0-2.

Clonduff have won this title four times in the
last eight years proving that skill, dedication
and team work make for a winning combination.

Following the Tournament presentation, the
Clonduff mentors presented their 'Players of the
Year' Awards to: Ben McConville, Lyndon Brown
and Ross Carr. Also included is Ryan Woods (extreme right)
who was
presented with his U10 Award as he missed the
Juvenile Presentation on Friday night.

The South Down U11 League was held over two
weeks with three sections - this new format
allowed for Clonduff to enter a second team.
Clonduff B played the second section of their
league in Clonduff Park playing against Burren
B, Glassdrumman, Bosco, Attical and Drumgath.
Clonduff B played with skill and passion but
were unlucky in their games - it was their
determined spirit that shone through to finish
the season.

Clonduff Under 10 season came to an end
on Sunday 24th October in Burren with
the children showing outstanding team
performances with both the A and B teams making
it to their respective finals for the Cup
and Plate. Over the season Clonduff had 41 young
players who all got plenty of football. Goodwill
of clubs allowed us to enter two and three teams
at times and with twice weekly training,
challenge matches and Go Games football and fun
was plentiful.

PJ, Paul, Shereen Patricia and Noleen would like
to thank all the children for their dedication
throughout the season. They would also like to
thank all the parents for their support and help
allowing for the children to be transported to
the games and home safely. The support of the
parents encouraged the children and enabled a
community spirit at the games.

Warrenpoint U10 Tournament 2010

On Saturday 10th
October, over 30 Clonduff children
travelled to the Warrenpoint Tournament.
Clonduff originally had two teams entered
but one of the scheduled teams didn't
arrive Clonduff were in the happy
position of being able to field a third
team. Clonduff B team had a great
tournament and topped their group and went
on to beat Shamrocks B in the quarter
final and Rostrevor B in the semi final to
set up meeting with Burren B in the Final.
this was undoubtedly the best game of the
day with the Yellows just edging out
Burren. Joint captains Cara Boden and
Aidan Markey lifted the shield and the
team all received gold medals. The team,
pictured above are: Back row (l to
r) - Mathew Brannigan, Owen Wilson,
Pierce Cunningham, Kieran Mulholland, Owen
Murray, Rory McKerran, Charlie Kerr, Conor
McAlinden, Shane Cairns; Front row (l to
r): Mathew Trainor, Conor Parr, Shane
Parr, James Carvill, Cara Boden, Aidan
Markey, Cathal Fitzpatrick, Eugene Lively,
Dessie Doyle - missing from photo: Padraig
Travers. (Report and Photo Noleen Cairns)

U14 Skills Final 2010

Stephen McConville (centre back)
reached the County Final of the U14
Skills on County Final Day 17th
September 2010. Stephen is pictured
with the other finalists Eugene
Branagan (Kilcoo), Pearse óg
McCrickard (Liatroim), Cormac McCartan
- Winner (Warrenpoint) and County
Youth Officer Sean McCashin

An
Riocht P5 Football Tournament 2010

Congratulations to the pupils of St Patrick's
Ballymaghery and St Paul's Cabra who
represented Clonduff in the An Riocht
5-a-side Indoor
Tournament for P5 children on Saturday 9th
October. They needed a game to accustom
themselves to this style of 5-a-side
football but then displayed some powerful
performances beating An Riocht in the Shield
Semi Final and Bryansford in the Final.
Well Done Boys! The boys, pictured above were
accompanied by Sean Gribben, Aidan and
Lyndon Brown (Down shirt) and are back (l
to r): Seánan Gribben, Eamon Brown, Shane
Parr, Lyndon Brown and Larry Lynch. Front
(l to r) Oisin Tumilty, Darragh McAlinden,
Aidan Markey (Capt) and Laurence Branagan

Clonduff U8 Footballers 2010

Clonduff U8 Footballers had a great year -
a big squad attended the Sunday morning
coaching sessions and the participated in
numerous Tournaments. They won the
Rostrevor Tournament Cup, the Burren
Hospice Tournament Shield and were runners
up the Moy (Co Tyrone) Cup competitions.

Young Padraig Clancy (left), son on Eddie
and Eimear,was selected as 'Player of the
Tournament' at the Moy Tournament

The above photograph was also taken at the
Moy Tournament

Clonduff U6 Panel 2010

Last week
it was the turn of the Clonduff veterans
to strut their stuff. On Sunday 12th
September it was the turn of the players
at the other end of the age spectrum - The
Under 6s (pictured above)!
Sixteen U6 children travelled by bus to
Moygannon, Warrenpoint for a return
fixture. A great improvement was
seen by all mentors and parents and even
remarked upon by the Warrenpoint
mentors. They played some great football
and displayed a high level of skill for
their age. The match ended in a draw with
Clonduff scoring a last minute goal.
Paddy McConville (Clonduff organiser)
would like to thank the mentors Marty
Woods, Mickey Fegan, Paul Kelly and Connor
Donnan and especially all the parents who
supported their children on Sunday and
throughout the coaching sessions. U6
coaching will resume on the Sunday after
the All Ireland Final! Panel: Gerard
Carvill, Paula McGarry, Adam Fegan, Callum
Donnan, Aidan Kelly, Cormac Kelly, Danncha
Burns, Emmett Kelly, Sentanta McPolin,
Charlie O'Hare, Shea Morgan, Colm Woods,
Max Dursely, Daniel Doyle, Sennan Carr,
Evan McConville, Eoin Devlin, Sarah Kelly,
Leo Sweeney and Oisin Logan (Great to see
so many new Clonduff names!). This is the
panel that attended coaching all year,
though not all were at the game on
Sunday. Apologies for any names I have
left out.

U14
Championship Shield Champions 2010

Congratulations to the under 14s
Footballers on winning the All County
Championship Shield. This was a great
way
for some of the boys to end
their U14 career.
Clonduff started well and controlled the
game but there was a bad injury to Noel
Grant early in the game, we wish him all
the best. (Noel is pictured left with
mentor Aidan Brown on his way from Daisy
Hill Hospital Newry to RVH Belfast where
he underwent surgery - He was discharged
on Sunday afternoon). His replacement Patrick Gribben,
who incidentally was playing his first
ever competitive game, played very
well and should be very proud. Leading
by 5pts at half time Clonduff extended
their lead to seven points before being
pegged back. However a superb ball from
Stephen McConville to Niall O’Hare, ended
in the back of the net, to put the game
beyond
Castlewellan. Some great individual
performances - Ryan McCaul at wing back,
midfield duo of Stephen and Caolan, and
Paudie Harper up front stood out, but
overall it was a good performance from
everyone and one to be proud of. Final
Score Clonduff 3-8 Castlewellan 3-4

Clonduff U8
Footballers travelled to Rostrevor with
high hopes of a good tournament
and they
were not disappointed. Good performances
all round especially at the back with
Darragh McAlinden making some excellent
saves. The defence of Kayla Woods,
Laurence Brannigan, Larry Lynch, Eddie Howlett and Patrick Cowan were powerful
only conceding 0-7 in all 5 matches. The
midfield of Padraig Clancy and Oisin
Tumilty fought for every ball and set up
some great scores. Up front, the forwards
were in great form with Charlie Brown,
Oran Wilson, Jake Morgan, Ciarán
Brannigan, Eoghan Smith, Seanan Gribbin,
Aaron Gribbin and Aaron Norris all taking
great scores. The score in the Final v
Burren was Clonduff 1-3 Burren 0-2. Well
done lads, we knew you could do it!!
Joint captains, Padraig Clancy and
Laurence Brannigan went up to lift the cup
to great applause (pictured right).
Thanks to the parents
for their support, a great day was had by
all.
(photos courtesy of Michel
Fitzpatrick)

South Down U14 Shield Final 2010

Congratulations to Clonduff U14s who won the
South Down championship final. The team trained
hard all year and deserved their win. It was a
hard fought final with a late goal from Stephen
McConville which turned out to be the decider.
Both Stephen and Caolon McAvoy each scored 1-4
and these scores were backed with an excellent
performance and it was great to see the boys who
were joint captains lift the shield. The
management were delighted with the victory which
was a long time coming, but all were very proud
of all the boys for their dedication and they
would like to thank them for this. It was great
to see that we had a whole panel with us which
included three injured players, Conor Murray,
Peter McAleavy and Owen Ward. A special word of
thanks to all parents who attended and backed
the team through the year and behalf of the team
we would like to thank those who sponsored the
boys; Sean McGreevy, Artie Noel and Roisin
McConville, Paul O’Hare, Tooter, Sean Milligan,
Vincent Devlin and Colm Fitzpatrick (Timoney’s
ice cream). The season doesn’t end here though
as we have an All county final to look forward
to.

Team: Finn Campbell, Niall
O’Hagan, Shane Milligan, Noel Grant, Ryan
McCaul, Mark Devlin, Thomas Murnin, Stephen
McConville 1-4, Caolan McAvoy 1-4, Charlie
Carr, Padraig Harper, Darragh Downey, Niall
O’Hare 0-1, Mark Bradley 0-1, Darragh O’Hanlon,
Darragh McPolin, James McGreevy, Patrick
Gribben, Jack Walsh, Pearce Murnin, Conor Lowry.
The new
South Down Champions were entertained to a meal
in the Clubrooms on their return where Chairman
Brian McGreevy and a large crowd of Club
officials, parents and supporters were there to
greet them. Brian made a short congratulatory
speech; Aidan Brown replied on behalf of the
management team (himself, Sean Fearon and Harry
Brown) and thanked all those who had sponsored
the team; joint team captains Stephen McConville
and Caolan McAvoy thanked their managers,
parents and the club and spoke of how worthwhile
the hard hours on the training pitch were. In
bringing the speeches to a conclusion, Brian
reminded the boys that they now had to face the
East Down Champions (Castlewellan) in order to
secure the County title!

Clonduff Players on South Down Development
Squad 2010

Three of
Clonduff's U14 Footballers had a great season
with the South Down Development squad.
They were Caolan McAvoy, Mark Devlin and Stephen
McConville (pictured above, third from left)
with some squad members and coaches looking
resplendent in their new training tops.

Mayobridge
U12 Football Tournament 2010

Clonduff's
Club history will show that the U12 footballers fielded two teams at
the Mayobridge tournament on Saturday 21st August - Clonduff
Shamrocks and Clonduff Harps. And, as in the past, both teams
enjoyed great success in the competition, with the Harps narrowly
losing in the Shield semi final 2-2 to 2-6 (after being behind 2-4
to 0- at half time), whilst Shamrocks won the Cup, beating Burren
1-8 to 1-4 in a very spirited
final, and who had beaten Clonduff in the League stage of the
tournament. Congratulations go to both squads for providing
the large crowd with exciting, competitive and exciting football.
Above left is the entire squad celebrating after
the tournament with their mentors Brendan McGarry (left) and Paul
Carlisle (right). Above right Shamrocks Captain, Lorcan McAteer
accepts the cup.

Down Óg Spoirt
Champions 2010 pictured in their resplendent new
shirts with team mentors Pat McCarthy (left) and
Liam McGreevy (right)
Seven
Teams turned up for the tournament which was
played on a ‘round robin’ basis with the four
best placed going into the Semi Finals. Clonduff
qualifier results were as follows: Clonduff
2-2 Saul 0-2; Clonduff 2-10 Glassdrumman1-1;
Clonduff 2-3 Castlewellan1-7; Clonduff 0-2 Mitchels
0-2; Clonduff 2-8 Drumgath 1-0; Clonduff
2-2 Kilcoo1-3These results left Clonduff joint top with
Mitchels, resulting in a semi-final meeting with
Saul. Clonduff stormed off to a 6 point lead and
were comfortable. In the second half wasted
possession led to a long clearance out of the
Saul defence catching the Yellows out and ending
up in the Clonduff net. Another goal and a point
left Clonduff needing a late point to send the
game into extra time in which Clonduff scored
the only point winning 0-9 to 2-2.
The final was against Castlewellan, who had
beaten Mitchels in the other semi final and with
the players already having played for 86 minutes
it was to be a test of their fitness and their
will to win against a team that had already
beaten them once. Again Clonduff started well
going into a good lead taking some lovely
points but let Castlewellan back into it just
before halftime leaving it level at 0-8 to 2-2.
The boys showed great courage and workrate to go
out and build up a 1-13 to 2-4 winning
margin after having lost a big lead in the first
half. They worked hard throughout the tournament
but it wasn't until the semi-final that they
realised a point was a good score!
Clonduff go onto the Ulster Óg Spoirt
representing Down and with players returning
from holidays a good turnout at training is
required to work on their and Sevens football if
they are to do themselves justice. A bit of a
fight for places might just spur them on!
Panel: Jack O’Hagan, Liam McGreevy, John Brown (Capt).,Rory
McQuaid, Conal Brown, Jamie Gribben, Darren
Harper, Colm Rooney, David Quinn, Brendan
Britton

Moy U12 Tournament 2010

Above is
the squad that was the runners up at the Moy
Tournament on Saturday 7th August with coaches
Jimmy Devlin, Paul Carlisle and Brendan McGarry;
above right Lorcan McAteer who picked up 'The
Sportsman of Moy Tournament' with his mother,
Angela

Cúl Camp
2010 in Pairc Chluain Daimh!

During the
week 2nd-6th August over 160 children aged 4-14
years attended the annual Cúl Camp (sponsored by
VHI Healthcare) in Pairc Chluain Daimh. The Camp
is run by County Board assigned qualified
coaches, which included a number of young
Clonduffians - Onagh and Paula Gribben and Shane
and Tony McGreevy and Mark Downey. The
youngsters were given the opportunity to acquire
and/or hone their skills in Gaelic Football
(boys and girls), Camogie and Hurling in a
fun-filled and meaningful atmosphere. The week
was blessed with dry weather when the rain on
threatened on one occasion but the children
didn't have to stop their activities.
On the second morning of the Camp, Club Down
Officers visited the Camp to show their support
of and solidarity with the whole ideal of the
Cúl Camps. Pictured below are: Anita Brannigan
(Clonduff Secretary), Gareth Thornton (Cúl Camp
Col-orindator), Malachy McCourt (Club Down
Chairman), William Smith (County Vice Chair
Person) and Brian McGreevy (Clonduff Chair
Person). A short time later County Secretary
Sean óg McAteer also visited the Clonduff Camp Extract
from a parent's email:"We would just like to pass you a quick note of
thanks for the provision made in the club for
children’s sporting development. Our daughter
attended the Cúl Camp this week and thoroughly
enjoyed the entire experience. Her excitement
at lunch time today having returned from the
final session was fantastic. Onagh Gribben
deserves particular praise on this occasion as
our daughter was in her group all week. Onagh
delivered a variety of activities at a good
pace, keeping a demanding group of coachees
interested and maintained the enjoyment
throughout. It was all done with great patience
and quiet assurance. We were lucky enough to
observe all the sessions as our daughter
demanded parental presence throughout the
week!! So our praise is from our own
observations.
The other coaches also
appeared to deliver their sessions to a similar
standard and it was a highly successful and
beneficial event all round. Thanks for
accommodating our daughter on this." For full text click here

Campa Chormaic 2010

A
big contingent of Clonduff youngsters
again attended Campa Chormaic in
Castlewellan which ran from 12th - 16th
July 2010. The Summer Camp, originally
established in Tyrone in memory of the
late Cormac McAnnallen expanded to Down
last year and such was the success that in
2010 it further expanded to Antrim and
Derry. It caters for young people aged
9-16 where they spend half a daily session
learning Irish and the other half doing
Gaelic Games and other outdoor activities
teamed up with children of equal ability
and age as far as possible.
The attendance at the Down Camp in 2010
was up by 25% on last year to just over
130 children.
Congratulations to our own Cathal
Fitzpatrick (centre, front row in Clare
jersey) who was awarded the prize for the
best Primary School child."As per usual Clonduff's contribution
to Campa Chormaic was outstanding this
year. The club representatives in
attendance were a credit to the yellow
jersey one and all and participated
enthusiastically in all codes". (Comment
from Down PRO Ronan McMahon)

U10 Mayobridge Tournament -
On
Saturday 3rd July 34 Clonduff children, most of
whom are pictured above) went to Mayobridge
for a tournament in memory of the late Mickey
Annett. There were 16 teams - Clonduff entered
three teams so that meant that every child got
to play in at least three games. The second team
got beaten in the semi final of the Shield by Bosco who went on to win the Shield. The first
team played Warrenpoint in the final.
Clonduff were wining with two minutes to go but
Warrenpoint hit back and came up the field
and scored a point to win the game. The Clonduff
children, pictured above,
were very disappointed but got silver medals.
Every child played very well. (Report and photo
Noleen Cairns)

An
Riocht U10 Tournament 2010

On a wet and cold
Saturday morning , 29th May, 31
children aged Under 10 years went to the
annual An Riocht tournament.
Unfortunately Clonduff could only enter
one team in the 11-a-side event so it was
hard to pick a team.

On Thursday evening
(20th May) the 19 boys and one girl from
Clonduff went to Leitrim to defend their
County Community Games title. There were
3x15mins in the game and every one got
playing time and they all played very well
but they just failed to hold on to the
title.
Above is the team
that contest the final: Back row: Conor
Parr, Eamon Brown, Rory McKernan, Tiernan
Russell, Tom Close, Charlie Kerr, Ryan
Woods, Aidan Markey, Padraig Kelly, Shane
Cairns, Danny Markey, Kieran Mulholland;
Front row: Conor McAlinden, Padraig
Wilson, Owen Murray, Cara Boden, Eugene
Lively, Shane Parr, Desmond Doyle, Ethan
Harper, Owen Wilson (Photo Noleen Cairns)

U10
Go Games - Mayobridge - 8th May 2010

Despite family commitments
due to First Communion, Clonduff took two
teams to the first organised monthly U10
Go Games Blitz in Mayobridge (to rotate
around the clubs on 2nd Saturday of each
month for five months) on Saturday
morning. It was a great day
and every child got to play at least four
games in different positions - backs
became forwards and forwards became backs
giving the youngsters the opportunity to
experience different aspects of the game.
After the games were over, each team got a
bottle of water and a piece of fruit.
The mentors wish to sincerely thank all
those who travelled with the children to
help with the teams, provide transport, or
simply to support. Next month's games are
in St Michaels. Below are photos (courtesy
of Noleen Cairns) of the two team who were
Named Clonduff Gaels and Clonduff Owen
Roes.

Before the U8 Footballers start their 2010
season,
Niall Rafferty (back left) of Rafferty
Autos (and Clonduff Vice Chairperson)
presented a new set of jerseys to
Clonduff's youngest team. The young
players, looking resplendent in their new
jerseys are pictured with their mentors
(back row, left to right) - John Norris,
Stephen Morgan, Sean Gribben and Sean
Cowan

St
Colman's are Hogan Cup Champions for first
time since 1998

Congratulations to Cathal Murray and his band of
warriors in St Colman's - they
picked up their seventh All Ireland title on
Saturday afternoon (10th April) with a facile
seven point win over St Brendan's Killarney
(Paul Galvin's charges). In truth if the College
had taken all their scores, the game could have
been out of sight at half time, though they led
0-9 to 1-1. They moved up a
gear in the second half and at one stage were
eleven points up. St Brendan's were awarded
their second penalty (one in each half, both
converted) and scored a great goal to put a
gloss on the result. St Colman's in turn could
afford the luxury of missing a penalty though a
goal was scored in the resulting goal mouth
scramble. Final score: St Colman's 1-18 St
Brendan's 3-5
Unfortunately, in the curtain raiser St
Malachy's were unable to hold on to the Finn Cup
for the third year in a row and fell to
Clonakilty Community School on a score of 0-11
to 0-8 but it's no mean feat in winning two out
of three All Ireland titles!

National
Cross Country Success for Clonduff Lad!

Congratulations to Conor Gribben,
son of Eddie
and Eileen, Castlewellan Road (Ballyaughian) who
was a member of St Colman's Cross Country
team that won the Irish Schools team
title.
The Cross Country was held in Cork with
over 200 boys participating. School teams
consisted of six members with the first
four home contributing towards the overall
placement. Conor was the third member of
his team home in 36th place overall! He is
pictured above proudly displaying his
medal.
Conor is a member of Clonduff's U16
Football team.
Well Done Conor!

Parade of
Champions!

On
Saturday 20th March 2010 just before the Down v
Armagh League game the Down County Board
recognised five Down Schools teams that had
collected Ulster and/or All Ireland titles
within the last couple of weeks - St Colman's (MacRory
Cup and Corn na nÓg), St Mark's (McDevitt Cup),
SRC - formerly The Tech (All Ireland Over 19
Vocational Schools Cup) and St Malachy's (Markey
Cup), the latter being the only one without a
Clonduff representatives. Most of the Clonduff
representatives on the night are pictured above
with former Clonduff Great, Cathal Murray (Coach
of the MacRory Cup team) are 17 St Colman's
students (nine MacRory Cup and eight Corn na nÓg),
five of the six St Mark's Lads and Mark Downey
(SRC). If you add in James Killen who won a
Freshers medal with UCD, the future looks good
for Clonduff (as well as Down, of course).
Having 25 boys on these successful teams is
testimony to the work being done at club level
by the Clonduff coaches. (Also
missing from the photo is SRC joint coach Mark
Copeland who was Clonduff Minor trainer in 2009)Standing –
Cathal Murray, Liam McGreevy, Liam McAleavey,
Shane McGreevy, Paul Lively, Declan Gribben,
Rory Lively, Stephen McConville, Ché Curran,
Mark Devlin, Patrick Matthews, Conall Brown,
Rory McQuaid, John McAleavey, Karl O’Hagan,
Darragh Sherry and Tony McGreevy; Kneeling –
Patrick O’Hagan, Mark Downey, Conor Murray,
Jayme Gribben, Padraig Harper, Michael Grant and
Caolan McAvoy.

Clonduff U12s get to meet Andy Merrigan

Clonduff U12 Footballers travelled to St
Gall's in Belfast for a challenge game on
Saturday and got the opportunity of
'Shaking Hands' with Andy Merrigan! St
Gall's had captured the All Ireland Club
Football title on St Patrick's Day for the
first time. The Cup was available for the
youngsters and the Clonduff lads are
pictured here with the boys from the host
club. (Photo Paul Carlisle)

Clonduff Boys have big say in Destination
of MacRory Cup in 2010

Many
congratulations to Cathal Murray and his St
Colman's team, with nine Clonduff boys on
board who collected the MacRory Cup for the
first time since 1998 and 17 in total. Of course, the College
Principal, Canon Francis Brown is a Clonduff man
also! The final score was St Colman's 1-14 Omagh
CBS 1-8
The Clonduff boys, proudly wearing their
Clonduff strip, pictured in St Colman's
Sports Hall are: Back row: Ché Curran,
Karl O'Hagan, John McAleavey, Darragh
Sherry, Patrick Matthews; Front row: Shane
McGreevy, Paul Lively, Rory Lively and
Tony McGreevy.

Clonduff Boys
Play Big Part in St Colman's Corn na nÓg Win 2010

More Congratulations
are the order of the day for St Colman's College on winning the Corn na nÓg
Final
on Saturday 6th March. They came from four points down at half time, and five
down entering the final quarter against St Pat's Maghera in Derrytresk (Tyrone)
to secure the title by one point on a score of 1-14 to 0-16. Clonduff had eight
players in the panel pictured above, Back row: Stephen McConville, Declan Gribben, Liam
McAleavey, Mark Devlin, Liam McGreevy; Front Row: Conal Brown, Rory
McQuaid, and Patrick O'Hagan

St Colman's win Peadar Barry Cup 2009

Congratulations to Clonduff's Patrick O'Hagan (extreme right front row) and
Eamonn Grant(next to
Coach Kevin Franklin) who were
on the St Colman's Peadar Barry winning team
2009. This
prestigious U15 ‘7-a-side’ competition has been
played for nearly 30 years and this win brought
it to 3-in-a-row for 'the College' In the Final
they defeated the College's 'B' team -
Clonduff's John Brown and Conall Brown were on that team.

Congratulations to Southern Regional College (SRC)
and
the two Clonduff Marks - Mark Downey and
Mark Copeland - who captured their
first Ulster Bank Higher Education Div 3 (over
18) Football title at the first time of asking
at a rain-soaked Ballymun Kickhams on Wednesday
afternoon 9th December 2009. SRC comprises
players from the former Newry and Armagh Techs
and they defeated
Carlow IFE on a score of 1-15 to 0-8 - Mark
Downey (2nd from left front row team photo
above) scored 1-1 and Mark Copeland was the
joint manager
of SRC. Mark C is on the left (above right) with
joint manager John Boyle and team captain Sean McCreesh

Congratulations to St Mark's High School
(above) on winning the Down U14 Vocational
Schools title - they defeated St Columban's Kilkeel with a great goal which
was practically the last kick of the game
on Wednesday 2nd December 2009. St Mark's
was well served by Clonduff players Jamie
Gribben (obscured by Padraig) and Caolan McAvoy.
Subs Michael
Grant (extreme right front), Connor Murray
(6 from left front row) and Padraig Harper
(2nd from left front row). Caolan and
Jamie are inset top right. St Mark's went
on to win the McDevitt Cup (Ulster Final) by defeating St
Paul's Lurgan in Healy Park Omagh on 4th March on a score of
3-10 to 4-4

Clonduff Under 11s are South Down Football
League Winners

Clonduff U11 Footballers (above) ended their season with games on
successive days requiring a point to win
the League. On Saturday 28th November they
travelled to Ballyholland and
after
a hard-fought game emerged winners 1-9 to
0-7. Safe in the knowledge that they had
secured the League, they finished with a
surprisingly easy victory over Mayobridge
6-17 to 0-1, on Sunday 29th November. This
final game meant they had won nine out of
their ten games. The quality of football
these young lads played was fantastic
given the time of the year and ground
conditions. Well done boys and your
mentors too - P J McGreevy, Patrick
McConville and Brendan McGarry!
It was disappointing that no-one from the
South Down Board or the Press was in
attendance nor was there a cup or medals
to present to the young captain Aaron
O'Hagan and his team mates! The children
were, however, treated to a welcome cup of
tea in the clubrooms and they received
their 'Player of the Year' awards which
were as follows: Joint Winners Lorcan
McAteer and Ryan McGreevy, Runner up: Colm
Fearon, 2nd Runner up: Brendan O'Hagan
(pictured right are Colm, Brendan, Ryan
and Lorcan).
Panel: Conor Keenan, Lyndon Brown, Lorcan
McAteer, Brendan O'Hagan, Rian Matthews,
Ross Carr, Shane McGarry, Ben McConville,
Conor Woods, Brandon Roe, Aaron O'Hagan
(Capt), Colm Fearon, Aaron Devlin, Ryan
McGreevy, John Boden, Patrick Branagan,
Michael Mulholland, Deane McCabe, Jack
Campbell, Tiernan McAvoy, Callum Branagan,
Conan Murnin, Niall Doyle and Ruairi
Hughes. The boys are pictured below
receiving their medals in Clonduff Club on
Friday 11th December. Tommy Kelly (South
Down Board) presented the cup and Aidan
Carr (Down and Ulster) presented the
medals. Below left is the team and their
mentors an on the right team captain Aaron
O'Hagan with Tommy Kelly and Aidan Carr.

Ulster
Medal for Clonduff Young Footballer!

Two of Clonduff's
young
footballers were on the Southern Regional
College (formerly Newry Institute of Further and
Higher Education or 'Newry Tech') teams that
participated in the Ulster blitz held in the Mid
Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown on Wednesday 14th
October. Niall McPolin (U16/Minor) played for A team and
Gary Maginn (Minor/U20) played for the B team. It was a
great competition and both lads played all
matches - the two Southern Regional College (SRC)
teams met in the semi final with the B
team just being beaten by the A team. The A
team on which Niall (extreme left back row
above) was playing went on to win
the final against Letterkenny Institute and were
crowned Ulster Further Education Champions.
The blitz is run by the Ulster Council and
supported by the three Development Officers. The
15 teams taking part in 2009 were Belfast Met (2
teams), Letterkenny Inst, North West Regional
College (2 teams), Cavan College (2 teams),
Omagh College (2 teams), North Regional College
(2 teams), Dungannon College and the SRC with
three teams.
Well done Niall and Gary and to the team manager
Mark Copeland who is a mentor with Clonduff
Minors! This is the second year in a row that
Mark, who is Gaelic Games Co-ordinator in SRC,
has led his charges to the title.

"Brilliant, skilful, powerful", words used by
many to describe the Clonduff U8 footballers
on Saturday 3rd October 2009.
The U8s travelled to neighbouring club, Burren
to compete in the annual tournament in aid of
Southern Area Hospice. Hot on the heels of
their great victory at Moy, both teams were
outstanding in their performances.
The 'B' team, undefeated in Moy, progressed
through another tournament undefeated to lift
the Hospice Plate. Well done boys!
Like their team-mates the 'A' team, also
undefeated in The Moy, progressed through as
winners of their group undefeated meeting
Mayobridge in the semi-final, showing great
determination as they came from 4pts down to win
by 5pts after extra time. Things didn't go
their way when the boys lost a tightly contested
Cup final, by only 1pt to hosts, Burren. An
amazing game of football by such young players.
U8 management would like to take this
opportunity to congratulate all players on their
fantastic performance this season, to wish all
those joining the U10 squad continued success
and to thank parents and supporters for their
help and dedication in making this an enjoyable
season.

Bryansford U16
Tournament
2009
– Clonduff U16s won the Peter Walsh Tournament
played in Bryansford. They had good wins over
All Saints (Ballymena), St John’s and Bryansford
which was good enough to get them to the Final
against An Riocht, who had beaten them in the
group stages.
The final was a close fought game with Clonduff
emerging winners on 0-9 to 1-4 scoreline after
extra time. It was a game Clonduff dominated
mainly due to some outstanding fielding by Aaron
Sherry and Shay Murnin at midfield. Shay Murnin
was captain for the day and the young Danny
Burns picked up the ‘Player of the Tournament’
award.
In all, the boys played two hours football and
had too many outstanding performers in the 22
players to single anyone out. They all played
their part in an enjoyable day’s football and
Clonduff wishes to thank the Bryansford Club for
their invite and great hospitality to all who
attended.
The
Panel, pictured above with mentors for the day
Sean Fearon and Liam McGreevy are: Liam McAleavey, Conor Pio Gribben, Rory
McQuaid, Declan Gribben, Peter Fitzpatrick,
Eamon Grant, Conal Brown, Shay Murnin (Capt),
Aaron Sherry, Barry O’Hagan, Connor Brown, Danny
Burns, Sean Downey, Conor Gribben, Darren
Harper, Jamie Curran, Niall Crowley, Shaun
Murnin, John Brown, Brendan Britton, David Quinn
and Jamie Gribben.

The U12
footballers travelled to Mayobridge on
Saturday, 26th to take part in a 9-a-side
tournament.
The A team was in a group with Mayobridge B, An
Riocht and Drumgath. The B Team were grouped
with Warrenpoint, Glenn and Bryansford.
The B Team played very well all day but were
unlucky not to have beaten Bryansford but pushed
Glenn and Warrenpoint all the way; which brought
them to the quarter finals of the shield where
they came up against Carryduff who emerged
winners. A great effort boys, well done.
The A team won all their group games to set up a
quarter final place with Shamrocks B, they won
this game with ease. Shamrocks B failed to
score against Clonduff which put them in the
Semi final of the Cup against Shamrocks A -
unfortunately Shamrocks A were stronger on the
day but the lads played well and with great
determination all day. Well done boys!!!!
Panels pictured above and below: Conor Keenan, Niall O'Hagan, Lorcan
McAteer, Dara O'Hanlon, Charlie Carr, Darragh
McPolin, Connor Murray, Paudie Harper, Colm
Fearon, Conor Lowry, Aaron O'Hagan, Peter
McAleavey, Brendan O'Hagan, James McGreevy, Noel
Grant, Shane McGarry, Ryan McGreevy, Owen Ward,
Finn Campbell, Liam Geoghegan, Jack Walsh, Rory
Hughes.

Below are some of the boys who
participated in Mayobridge U12 Tournament
2009

Clonduff U8 and U10 footballers made the
long journey to Moy Co Tyrone
on Saturday 26th September for their
annual tournament which is unique to all
Moy tournaments. All teams entering the
tournament must enter an A and B team. A
teams only play other A teams and B teams
only play other B teams. Scores of both
teams are aggregated to produce the
winners.
Pictured above are the U10s who
played out of their skins and reached the
final. Aaron Devlin (left) was
chosen as 'Player of the Tournament' a
feat he achieved in the Moy U8 Tournament
two years ago and also as an U10 player in
The Newry Mitchell's Tournament in June
2009. Well done boys and
girls you did yourselves, your families
and your club proud.

The U8 boys and girls (pictured below) went one better -
they won their tournament and young
Charlie Kerr was selected as 'Player of
the Tournament

Above - The U8 panel in Moy before the
tournament and below left the joint
captains - Charlie Kerr, Seanin Gribben
and Cain Rooney - with the cup and below
right 'Player of the Tournament' Charlie
Kerr.
Moy has been a happy hunting ground for
Clonduff teams in 2009 - at the
beginning of September the U12s secured
the Tournament Shield. (Click
here for short slideshow)

The U12 boys (above) went to the Moy Tournament
on Saturday 12th September
and as a good spell of weather appeared
so did a good spell of football for
the Clonduff lads. After the group games
Clonduff were in the Shield semi
final against Errigal Ciarán - this was a
great game; the B team won
6 points to 1 and the A team won 10 points
to 4 to
set up a final with Newbridge
of Derry. These two games had
everything! The B team got it going with a
brilliant performance winning 14 points to 3, the A
team drew 8 points each in a cracking
game. This
tournament is unique in that clubs must
enter two teams – the A teams all play
against each other and the B teams only
play each other. Points are awarded for
wins/draws and are aggregated so that the
winner is the club whose A and B teams
combined secure the most points. Back row (l
to r) Eoin Ward, Shane McGarry, Niall
O'Hagan, James McGreevy, Conor Lowry,
Michael Mulholland, Dara McPolin, Peter
McAleavey, Finn Campbell, Dara O'Hanlon,
Jack Walsh, Colm Fearon, Conor Murray.
Front row (l to r) Noel Grant, Pierce
Murnin, Aaron O'Hagan, Charlie Carr,
Paudie Harper, Ryan McGreevy, Liam
Geoghegan, Brendan O'Hagan and Lorcan
McAteer.
Well
done boys, you did Clonduff proud! Click
here for a slideshow of photos by
Frankie Duffy (Moy)

Clonduff U10 Footballers enjoyed another
great day out in Downpatrick on Saturday
12th September in excellent weather
conditions. Thanks to Downpatrick,
Clonduff were allowed to enter two teams -
all 29 children got at least 1½ hours
football. Clonduff B found themselves in a
group with Rossa (Belfast), Teconnaught
and Bredagh, losing their three games.
They went on to meet Ballyholland in the
Shield Quarter Final. Many of the Clonduff
players are eligible again next year and
they bowed out after giving their best.
The A team won their group, beating
Bryansford, Ballyholland and Downpatrick
going on to lose the quarter final of the
cup to Rossa 1-2 to 2-4. Star of the Rossa
Side was Daire Matthews, son of former
Clonduff player Mark Matthews.
The Clonduff children playing on Saturday
and pictured above were: Conor Milligan,
Daniel McGivern, Deane McCabe, Lyndon
Brown, Pearse Murray, John Boden, Ross
Carr, Aaron Devlin, Darren Quinn, Ben
McConville (Capt), Ryan Matthews, Padraig
Wilson, James Carvill, Ryan Woods, Jack
Campbell, Ethan Lynass-Feehan, Christopher
McAleavey, Owen Murray, Tiernan McEvoy,
Dillon Downey (Capt), Jamie O'Hagan,
Tiernan Russell, Danny Markey, Conor
Fitzpatrick, Niall Doyle, Jack Devlin,
Shane Cairns, Cara Boden, James Keenan.

The under 8 footballers attended
Mayobridge tournament on Saturday 12th
September 2009. They fielded 2 teams -
Clonduff A and Clonduff B. The A team
had an off day, but congratulations has to
go to the B team on reaching their first
final. They played with great passion and
determination to overcome Newry Shamrocks
in the semi-final with the score being 1-2
to 1 point. Each and everyone of them
played out of their skins. They moved on
to the final with great anticipation, but
alas, it wasn't to be, losing out to a
strong Ballymartin team. A special word
of thanks must go to their mentor, John
Norris. Well done boys!
The B team pictured above with their
medals are: Back Row L-R - Charlie Brown,
Seanin Gribbin, Darragh McAlinden, Jake
Morgan, Dan Rafferty, Eoghan Smyth,
Desmond Doyle, Conor Parr. Front row L-R -
Aaron Norris, Shane Close, Connor
McAlinden, Aaron Gribben, Shea Morgan,
Eoin Murray. Missing from photo are Cain
Rooney and Niall Ward.

Longstone U8 Tournament - Clonduff were able
to field two teams in the Longstone tournament
(August 2009) which resulted in 26 young Gaels representing
their club.
Clonduff A eventually won the tournament
defeating a gallant Warrenpoint side in the
final. They played with great heart and flair
and were without doubt the best team in the
competition
Clonduff B, who were the only B team in the
tournament, were defeated in the semi-final of
the plate by Drumgath. This young team played
some brilliant football against older
opposition.
Clonduff Panel, pictured above with their
mentors: D and C McAlinden, C and S Parr,
L, S and T Brannigan, R McKernan, T and S Close,
D Rafferty, N Ward, P Kelly, S and A Gribben, J
and S Morgan, C Rooney, A Markey, E and C Brown,
D Doyle, A Norris, O Tumelty, P Clancy and C
Kerr

On a
very wet Monday morning, 3rd August 2009,
187 children aged 4-14 turned up at
Clonduff Park for the now well-established
VHI sponsored Cúl Camp. Fortunately
it was the only wet day of the week by the
end of which the sun screen was in big
demand and with more children joining in
there were 195 children in total,
including some youngsters who were on
their second camp this summer - either a
Cúl Camp in another club or the Campa
Chormaic which was run in Castlewellan
during July.
In administering the Cúl Camps in 2009,
Down County Board decided to admit 4-6
year olds at a reduced cost and instead of
having 4 hours in the camp, these little
Gaels had a magnificent two hours each
morning. Local camps are established in
such a way that youngsters play with their
own age groups in both Football (boys and
girls) and Camogie/Hurling.
The Cúl Camp was co-ordinated by Clonduff
Assistant Youth Officer Teresa Carr and
Club Secretary Anita Brannigan, ably
assisted by Marie Walls (Club Treasurer)
and Patricia McGreevy and was facilitated
by Down County Schools coaches Ciarán Murtagh and Benny Coulter but many of the
coaches employed were young men and women
who are actually playing members of
Clonduff.Click on the picture above to view
some of the images depicting the wonderful week's fun and game and
Clonduff's own young coaches (all have at least Foundation Level) in
action.

Clonduff U10s
(left) - the most photographed team in the club
in 2009 - took part in the An Riocht
Blitz Tournament of 30 teams on Saturday.
Clonduff were allowed the privilege of entering
two teams in the 11-a-side tournament and with a
panel of 29 children this ensured plenty of game
time for all. Clonduff B played in a tough group
playing Burren A, Michael Davitts Dromiskin,
Ardglass and Longstone, making a decent fist of
every game, and beating Longstone on the way.
They bowed out in the Quarter Final of the Plate
to An Riocht.
Clonduff A were in a group with Ballymartin,
Teconnaught, Burren, Aughlisnafin and Clann
Eireann - they won all their games except
against Clann Eireann to whom they lost by two
points. They reached the Cup play offs and went
on to beat St Brigid's Downpatrick and
Bryansford but once again they met the very
talented Clann Eireann in the final. After a
very tough and even first half, two early second
half goals by the Lurgan side were the crucial
scores as they went on to win on a score of 3-5
to 2-1.
Panel: Darren Quinn, Daniel McGivern, Dean
McCabe, Lyndon Brown, Pearce Murray, John Boden
(Capt), Ross Carr, Tiernan McAvoy, Aaron Devlin,
Ben McConville, Ryan Matthews, Padraig Wilson,
Jude Campbell, Jack Campbell, Niall Doyle, Ethan
Lynass-Feehan, Christopher McAleavey, Ryan
Woods, Jamie O'Hagan, Owen Murray, James
Carvill, James Keenan, Cara Boden, Connor
Fitzpatrick, Shane Cairns

In
July 2009, young Ben McConville went to Marbella, Spain on his holidays with his
parents Paddy (Sid) and Sharon and the
rest of his family. Ben joined the
'International Gaelic Football Academy'
(local Cúl Camp) which is run by some high
profile Gaelic Football players and none
higher than Peter Canavan, pictured on the
left with Paddy and Ben following Ben's
award for the 'U10 Player of the Week'.
On the right Paddy and Ben are pictured
with Bernard Flynn (Former Meath player
and current RTE pundit). Also in the
picture is Daire Matthews, son of former
Clonduff player Mark whose family were
also on holiday at the time.

The U10
Footballers made their annual trip to
The Fiddlers Green Festival in Rostrevor
to take on the home side, Burren and
Warrenpoint with each team fielding an
A
and a B team - the A teams compete for the
Shield whilst the B teams compete for the
Plate.
All 26 Clonduff children got plenty of
football in the 11-a-side competition. In
the Plate Clonduff B beat Warrenpoint but
lost to Burren and Rostrevor. In the
Shield competition Clonduff A won all
three games - it all hinged on the final
game Clonduff v Burren with both teams
having won their two previous games.
Burren led by 2 points at half time. In
the second half Clonduff were simply
fantastic showing all the skills of the
game outscoring Burren 4-4 to 0-2 to once
again become the Champions of Fiddlers
Green.
Panel (pictured above with their mentors
Paddy (Sid) McConville and P J McGreevy):
Darren Quinn, Daniel McGivern, Dean
McCabe, Lyndon Brown (Capt for the day),
Pearce Murray, Ben McConville, John Boden,
Tiernan McEvoy, Padraig Wilson, Aaron
Devlin, Ross Carr, Jude Campbell, Jamie
O'Hagan, Niall Doyle, Connor Fitzpatrick,
Ethan Lyness-Feehan, Tiernan Russell,
Danny Markey, Dillon Downey, James Keenan,
Jack Campbell, Shane Cairns, Eoin Murray,
Cara Boden, James Carvill, Jack Devlin.
Congratulations to Ben McConville
on being chosen as the best U10 player at
the Cúl Camp in Marbella, Spain last week,
run by Peter Canavan! (Main Photo courtesy
Helen Devlin; small photo Tracey Rice)

Clonduff
staged the annual Gary Murray U12 Football
Tournament in glorious sunshine on Saturday
25th July 2009. Sixteen teams
from Down, Tyrone, Armagh and Louth participated
in what can only be described a a 'Feast of
Football' in the 11-a-side tournament. There
were four groups of four, guaranteeing each team
at least three games of 15 min duration.
Rostrevor, Glenn, Warrenpoint A and Clonduff A
emerged winners from their groups, each team
having won all their games. In the semi finals
Rostrevor beat Glenn and Warrenpoint A beat
Clonduff A in two tight games which could have
gone either way. Reigning champions, Warrenpoint
faced near neighbours Rostrevor in the Final -
and what a spectacle it was! Warrenpoint led by
a point at half time but with the help of a
rising wind Rostrevor pulled it out of the bag
in the second half to emerge as worthy winners.
The Murray family presented the trophy to the
Rostrevor Captain Joseph Morgan who was also
presented with the Lily Murray Cup for 'Player
of the Tournament' although there were close
contenders from many of the other teams who did
not reach the knock-out stages.
The tournament ran like clockwork - many thanks
to the organisers and particularly the match
officials Henry Brown, Tony McGreevy, Shane
McGreevy (Young Whistlers), Sean Fearon, Paul
Shields, Cathal Murray, Aidan Carr and Ben
Brennan (referees) - Ben took charge of the
Final and not forgetting to thank Niamh McGreevy
who acted as 'runner with results'.

Campa Chormaíc 2009 - The first Campa Chormaíc
to be organised outside Tyrone took place
in Castlewellan (St Malachy's School) from
Monday 13th to Friday 17th July for boys
and girls aged 10 - 14 years. In the
mornings the young people had Irish
Classes and in the afternoons they honed
their skills of Football and Hurling/Camogie.
Congratulation to Cassie Fitzpatrick who
was chosen as the most impressive girl in
her group.
Pictured above is the Clonduff contingent,
the biggest representation from any club
in Down,
who attended attired in their distinctive
jerseys. They all agreed it was a
magnificent week despite the weather.

What a day for these young Clonduff
players! On Wednesday 2nd July 2009
the Down U16 Development squad took part
in the inter county Youth tournament which
is held annually in the Croke Park. The
boys, pictured with two of their mentors
Jerome Johnston (Kilcoo) and Eugene
Branagan (Clonduff) are: Niall McPolin,
Rory Lively and Conor Grant (Photo
courtesy of Helena Grant)

Clonduff's U10 footballers who reached the
Semi Final of the prestigious Mitchel's 40-team tournament (Saturday 6th
June 2009) Aaron Devlin (2nd from left front row) was selected as 'The
Player of the Tournament' award. The boys and girls above are pictured
with their mentors Artie Quinn, Paddy McConville and P J McGreevy. The
late Daniel Andre is extreme right middle row.
Aaron Devlin was
chosen as 'Player of the Tournament' - a a wonderful achievement to be chosen as
the best player from 40 teams
(700-800 players). Well Done Aaron! Aaron, son of
Jimmie (U12 Mentor) and Helen, Leitrim Road,
Hilltown is pictured on the left with his
coveted trophy and his two team mentors P J McGreevy and Paddy McConville
(Photos
Noleen Cairns)

Clonduff U8 Footballers (above) took part in the
12-team Warrenpoint tournament on Saturday 23rd
May. They had a great tournament winning their
group beating Mayobridge, Rostrevor and
Glasdrumman. However, Glasdrumman as best
runners-up turned the tables in the semi final
and defeated the young Yellows. Many thanks to
Warrenpoint for the invitation.

Congratulation
to the U9½ Football team who have won the
Down Community Games title for the fifth time in
a row. They will now represent Down in the
Ulster Finals to be held in Monaghan in June
after beating Glenn and St John's. This is a
great achievement for the children and their
coaches who have worked with them from a young
age at the Sunday Morning coaching Academies.
The team pictured above with their coaches Paddy
(Sid) McConville and P J McGreevy are: Conor
Milligan, Christopher McAleavey, Dylan Downey,
Eathan Lynas, Deane McCabe, Ben McConville
(Capt), Tom Close, Ryan Woods, Conor
Fitzpatrick, Owen Murray, Jamie O'Hagan, Jude
Campbell, Padraig Wilson, James Carvill, Enda
McAleavey, Cathal Fitzpatrick, Shane Cairns,
Cara Boden, Danny Markey, Tiernan Russell, Aidan
Markey.

Clonduff U10s collected their first
silverware of the year when they won the Pat Meade Tournament in Drumgath
in April 2009. The panel is pictured with their mentors Patrick McConville
and P J McGreevy. The late Daniel Andre is 4th from the left front row.

Clonduff
U8 Footballers
kicked off their season with the An Riocht
Tournament on Saturday 11th April.
Twenty-six teams from Down Antrim, Tyrone and
Armagh took part. The teams were split into five
groups with each 11-a-side team playing four 8
min games. 25 children represented Clonduff in
two teams (grateful to An Riocht for allowing us
to enter two teams). There was great football
played by both teams at such an early stage in
the season. The teams played in the knock-out
stages of the shield with the ‘B’ team being
eliminated by Newry Shamrocks in the early
stage. The ‘A’ team, however, progressed to the
final of the Shield competition where they were
narrowly defeated by St Peter’s Lurgan in the
final. A great entertaining day’s football was
had by all. Back Row (l to r) Shea Brennan,
Ciarán Mulholland, Seánan Gribben, Jake Morgan,
Eamon Brown, Tom Close, Ruairi McKernan, Desmond
Doyle, Ethan Harper, Cian Rooney, Oisin Tumilty,
Darragh McAlinden, Gareth Cowan. Front row (l to
r), Padraig Kelly, Niall Ward, Jamie Walsh,
Conor McAlinden, Aaron Gribben, Jamie McDonald,
Padraig Clancy, Shane Close, Eoghan Smith,
Darragh Lavery, Charlie Brown, Aaron Norris.
(Report: Sean Gribben).

St Mark's win Peadar Barry 7-a-Side Schools
Tournament

St Mark's High School Warrenpoint collected the Peadar Barry
7-a-side Schools title in 2009. The team was captained by Conor Grant (4th from
left back row). Barry O'Hagan (2nd from right front row) was also on the team

Clonduff Players in Healy Park, Omagh on Sunday 8th June
2008 weren't just confined to John Fegan and Aidan Carr
on Senior Team and Darren O'Hagan and Paul McPolin on
the Minor team! Down captain and Clonduff Ladies
kingpin, Michaela Downey, who is employed by Ulster
Council and Clonduff U12 player Stephen McConville (son
of Arty Noel and Roisin) who played on the Down Primary
Schools team at half time in the Tyrone v Down drawn
game.

These five Clonduff lads were members of the
St Colman's panel that collected the Corn na nÓg trophy for
the first time since 1997.

The Captain of the team was Ryan Johnston from Kilcoo,
whose mother was Clonduff woman, Ann Doran (Mourne View Bar)

St Colman's College won the
Ranafast Cup in 1997 - their first major trophy in eleven
years! Three Clonduff boys, Darragh Sherry, Shane McGreevy and
Paul Lively played every game. Five other Clonduff boys were
on the panel, some of whom made substitute appearances
throughout the campaign and were stalwarts of the training
sessions - Ché Curran, Tony McGreevy, Karl O'Hagan, Rory
Lively and Rory McGreevy. The Clonduff contingent is pictured
right.

Vhi Cúl Camps - are run
throughout the summer in different clubs each week in all 32
Counties. Clonduff hosted one of the most successful in Down
during 2007. 128 children aged 5-13 years turned up to enjoy
the 5-day coaching event. The coaches on the Cúl Camps are
experienced quality coaches (male and female), who have GAA
qualifications. They are enthusiastic people who have a proven
record of interacting personally with children. Three local
coaches were involved in 2007, Onagh and Paula Gribben Sara
Louise Carr

The 31st Gary Murray U12
Tournament took
place on Saturday 28th July 2007 - 12
teams participated in sunny Clonduff Park. The teams were
divided into 4 groups of 3 ensuring at least 2 games for
participants (some teams, not involved in playoffs took
the opportunity to play a challenge game - viz Warrenpoint v
Bryansford. The teams taking part were Clonduff A, Saval,
Bryansford, Rostrevor, Mitchels, Longstone, Kilcoo,
Warrenpoint, Dromintee, Clonduff B St John's and Burren. The
winners from each group - Clonduff A, Burren, Rostrevor and
Dromintee played in the Semi finals with Burren and Rostrevor
meeting in the final, which was refereed by Peter McClorey.
Rostrevor defeated Burren to lift the trophy. The trophies
were presented to the runners up by Ciaron Murray and the
winning trophies were presented by Cathal Murray (Snr). Other
referees on the day included John A Gribben, Peter Brannigan,
Cathal Murray (Jnr), Alistair McGilligan, Johnny McAleavey.
The event was co-ordinated by Tommy Kelly, Alistair McGilligan
and Anita Brannigan.

Clonduff
U11s in celebratory mood after retaining the U11 Championship
title in Banbridge on Saturday morning 21st October 2006. The
boys are pictured with their mentors Liam McGreevy, Vincent
Devlin (partly obscured) and P J McGreevy

This group
of Clonduff boys - all from Cabra helped St Malachy's
Castlewellan lift the All Ireland U16 Schools Football title
in 2006. Paul McPolin, holding the cup was the Captain. Other
players (l to r) Patrick Gribben, Paul Bloomfield, Paul
Gribben, Michael Gribben, Noel McPolin

Mitchels Champions 2005

Clonduff U10 panel displaying the
shield they won on Saturday 4 June 2005 - the first time
a Clonduff team has ever won the competition in its 30
year history! Most of this panel was on the Community
Games team that won Down and Ulster titles to reach the
All Ireland Final. Back Row: Finbarr Greenan,
John McPoln, Gerard McAleavey, Jamie Gribben, Patrick
O'Hagan, Jack O'Hagan, Liam McAleavey, Stephen
McConville, Kevin Smith, Sean Murray, Conal Brown.
Middle row: Mark Devlin, Declan Gribben, Darren
Harper, Rory McQuaid, Caolan McAvoy, Conor Murray, Kevin
Darby, Shane Milligan, Jason Smith. Front row:
Ryan Ward, Brendan Britton, Colm Rooney, John Brown,
Charlie Carr, Michael Grant, Padraig Harper, Liam
McGreevy

Clonduff U11s
secured the South Down League in 2004 for the first
time. They are pictured here with their mentors (left)
Sean Cairns, Liam Brown, P J McGreevy (seated) and on
the right Liam McGreevy and Colum Lynch

A jubilant U10 team
display their trophy won at the Rostrevor Fiddlers Green
Festival - the only team, other than Rostrevor to do so
since the start of the competition!

The U12 team that won the 25th Gary
Murray Tournament
The boys are pictured in Clonduff Park
with their young managers - household names in Clonduff - Eugene Brannigan, Rory
Matthews, John Fegan and Gary McDonald

1993 was a great year for
Juvenile Football in Clonduff - they won County Championship
and League titles at U14, U16 and Minor levels - Shane Ward
was a member of all three teams! He went on to win three
consecutive Minor titles.

These
Clonduff lads played pivotal roles in Ulster's most prolific
winner (5 titles) of the Hogan Cup, St Colman's Newry on
winning their 4th title in 1993. The boys are: Back (l-r)
Plunkett McConville, Paul McShane, John Morgan. Front Mark
O'Reilly with Fr Malachy Finnegan, College President and later
to be Parish Priest of Clonduff

St Colman's
College Newry on winning their third Hogan Cup in 1986. (Clonduff's
Matt McGinn was on the first in 1957 and his son Joe was on
the team that won in 1998). Clonduff boys on the team
are: Mark Mooney (second from right front row), Mark Matthews
(second from left front row) and Cathal Murray (back row
right)